PCB Connector Locking via Threaded Fasteners and Guide Pins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Printed circuit boards (PCBs) experience disconnection of electrical connectors during high shock and vibration loads, despite being fixed to a chassis, due to their flexibility and indirect fixation methods.
Innovation Solution
A locking mechanism using threaded fasteners and guide pins adjacent to electrical connectors, with optional spring washers to ensure secure alignment and contact, replacing conventional guide blocks to maintain physical and electrical connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional indirect fixation methods (clips or wedge locks) are used to secure PCBs to chassis, then the PCB can be easily installed and removed, but the electrical connectors experience disconnection during high shock and vibration loads
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into multiple functional components: a locking member with threaded receptacle, a fastener, and a guide pin. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the threading provides secure attachment while the guide pin ensures proper alignment - thereby maintaining connector reliability without compromising ease of installation
Solution Approach 2:
The guide pin acts as an intermediary element between the locking member and the PCB. It mediates the alignment process by physically guiding the connector into proper position before the fastener secures it, ensuring reliable connection while keeping the overall mechanism simple and easy to operate
2Reliability
If threaded fasteners with guide pins are used to directly secure connectors, then connector connection reliability is improved during shock and vibration, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member combines multiple functions into a single component: it provides the threaded receptacle for the fastener, incorporates the guide pin for alignment, and serves as the mounting point for the connector. This merging reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall mechanism while maintaining high connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs alignment (via guide pin), securing (via threaded receptacle), and mechanical support functions. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for separate alignment fixtures and locking mechanisms
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The locking mechanism effectively maintains electrical connector contact during high shock and vibration, improving reliability and stability by securing connectors directly to each other within the PCB assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a threaded fastener extending through the first aperture and the second aperture. The threaded fastener is received in the threaded receptacle of the first circuit board to maintain engagement between the first connector and the second connector
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit board includes a first locking mechanism configured to secure the circuit board to a chassis. The circuit board also includes a connector disposed at an inboard end of the circuit board. The connector is configured to be electrically connected to a mating connector on either a backplane or a circuit board. The circuit board also includes a second locking mechanism. The second locking mechanism is configured to secure the connector of the circuit board to the mating connector of the backplane or the circuit card.