PCB Connector With Movable Lock for Detachable Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing PCB connectors are either permanently attached, complicating recycling and causing manufacturing issues, or detachable connectors risk accidental detachment and alignment problems.

Innovation Solution

A connector design with a securing unit that moves between locking and release positions, using fastening arms and guide elements to ensure a secure, detachable connection to the PCB, allowing easy assembly and disassembly without damaging components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the PCB connector is permanently attached to the semiconductor board, then assembly is easy and alignment is precise, but recycling is complicated and component separation is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidrecyclability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connector employs a dynamic locking mechanism with a securing unit that can transition between locked and unlocked states. The fastening arm with latching hook provides permanent-like stability when locked, while allowing complete separation when unlocked, thus enabling both easy assembly and recyclability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connector is designed as a separable component that can be completely detached from the semiconductor board. The locking mechanism divides the connection state into distinct locked and unlocked positions, allowing the connector to function as either a permanent or removable attachment depending on the application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If the PCB connector is permanently attached to the semiconductor board, then alignment is precise, but component replacement is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidcomponent replacement ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The dynamic locking mechanism allows the connector to maintain precise alignment when locked during operation, while enabling easy removal and replacement when unlocked. The fastening arm can be deflected to release the latching hook, facilitating component replacement without damaging the semiconductor board.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the PCB connector is detachably connected to the semiconductor board, then recycling is easy and component separation is simple, but accidental detachment can occur and alignment may be imprecise

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproverecyclabilityVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The securing unit with movable locking mechanism provides a reliable locked position that prevents accidental detachment during normal operation. The latching hook engages with the semiconductor board to maintain stable connection, while still allowing intentional release when needed for recycling or replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of repair

If the PCB connector is detachably connected to the semiconductor board, then component replacement is easy, but manufacturing tolerances cause movement and alignment problems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent replacement easeVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The connector incorporates preliminary alignment features that guide the connector into the correct position during attachment. The fastening arm and latching mechanism are designed to engage at predetermined positions that compensate for manufacturing tolerances, ensuring precise alignment even with detachable connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4170398B1Circuit board connector for a circuit board
Publication Date: 2025.10.01 MD ELEKTRONIK GMBH
  • EP4170398B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4170398B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4170398B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5b

AI summary

The present invention comprises a connector (1) for a printed circuit board (2), with a connector housing (3) having at least one mounting arm (4) and a locking unit (5), wherein the mounting arm (4) has at least one first mounting element (6) which is detachably connectable to a first connecting element (7) on the printed circuit board (2), the locking unit (5) is movably arranged on the connector housing (3) between a release position and a locking position, the connection between the first mounting element (6) and the first connecting element (7) can be created and/or released by deflecting the mounting arm (4), the locking unit (5) blocks the deflection of the mounting arm (4) in the locking position and the locking unit (5) releases the deflection of the mounting arm (4) in the release position.