PCB Electrical Connector With Lateral Housing And Release Tab
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for printed circuit boards (PCBs) often require labor-intensive removal processes and can interfere with light emitted by LEDs, lacking efficient mechanical and electrical coupling solutions.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a housing with a resilient attachment element and sandwiching elements that securely engage PCBs, preventing movement and light interference, while allowing for easy installation and removal using tool slots and release tabs, and providing electrical terminals for bridging connections between PCBs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing connectors are used to connect PCBs, then electrical connection is achieved, but removal process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs a resilient attachment element that can dynamically change its state between engaged and disengaged positions. The release tab mechanism allows the connector to transition from a locked state to an unlocked state, enabling easy removal while maintaining secure connection during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is divided into separable components including the housing, resilient attachment element, and release tab. This segmentation allows the release tab to be independently manipulated to disengage the connector from the PCB aperture, facilitating quick removal without affecting the overall electrical connection integrity during use.
2Stability of the object's composition
If existing connectors are used for PCB connection, then mechanical coupling is achieved, but light interference with LEDs occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design extracts the light-blocking housing away from the LED light path by positioning it laterally adjacent to the PCB. The resilient attachment element and electrical terminals are configured to provide mechanical coupling and electrical connection without interfering with the optical path of LEDs mounted on the PCB.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector transitions from a traditional top-down configuration that blocks light to a lateral configuration where the housing is positioned beside the PCB. This dimensional change allows light to pass through the PCB unobstructed while the connector provides secure mechanical coupling from the side.
3Reliability
If traditional connector designs are used, then electrical connection is achieved, but installation and removal require excessive labor
Solution Approach 1:
The release tab is designed to be manually actuated by the user to self-release the connector from the PCB aperture. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for specialized tools or complex removal procedures, allowing the user to easily disengage the connector by simply manipulating the release tab while maintaining secure connection during operation.
4Stability of the object's composition
If resilient attachment elements are used to secure PCBs, then mechanical coupling is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient attachment element is integrated with the electrical terminal and housing into a single unified structure. This merging of components reduces the total number of separate parts while maintaining the mechanical coupling stability provided by the resilient element and the electrical connection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient attachment element serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical coupling stability, maintains electrical contact pressure, and enables easy release through the tab mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
An electrical connector has one or more body portions in which is disposed an electrical terminal having at least one contact pad interface for coupling to a contact pad of at least one printed circuit board (PCB). The body has an associated fastening device which is used to mechanically and electrically couple the electrical connector to the at least one PCB. The electrical connector may be provided with a full or partial hourglass-like shape, when viewed from the side and/or from above, to facilitate its use with a PCB that carries a source of light, such as an LED.