PCB Connector Retention Pin Layout for Back-to-Back Mounting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors on Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) face mechanical limitations, particularly with symmetrical retention pins, which prevent back-to-back mounting on both sides of the PCB, leading to space inefficiency and increased manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
An asymmetrical arrangement of retention pins on the electrical connector's bottom surface allows for back-to-back mounting on both sides of the PCB without interfering with each other's holes, enabling a space-saving design and cost-efficient manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If symmetrical retention pins are used on electrical connectors, then the connector can be securely mounted on the PCB, but it becomes impossible to mount two connectors back-to-back on opposite sides of the PCB
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by positioning the retention pins in an asymmetrical arrangement on the bottom surface of the connector housing. Specifically, the first retention pin is positioned at a first location and the second retention pin is positioned at a second location, where these locations are not symmetrical with respect to the connector's centerline. This asymmetrical configuration allows the retention pins to fit into corresponding asymmetrical holes in the PCB, enabling two connectors to be mounted back-to-back on opposite sides of the PCB without interfering with each other's mounting holes.
2Area of stationary object
If electrical connectors are mounted on both sides of the PCB, then space is optimized and PCB area is reduced, but the retention pins from both sides will interfere with each other's mounting holes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the hole interference problem by implementing an asymmetrical retention pin arrangement. The first retention pin is positioned at a first location and the second retention pin is positioned at a second location on the bottom surface of the connector housing, creating an asymmetrical pattern. When two connectors are mounted back-to-back on opposite sides of the PCB, each connector's retention pins engage with corresponding holes that do not coincide with holes required by the opposite connector, thus eliminating mounting hole interference and enabling compact dual-sided mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the third dimension (depth/height) by extending retention pins from the bottom surface of the connector housing into holes through the PCB. This dimensional approach allows the retention pins to secure connectors on both sides of the PCB without requiring the pins to be coplanar or symmetrical, thereby resolving the hole interference issue through spatial differentiation.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional mounting methods are used, then manufacturing is simple, but space utilization is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains ease of manufacture by using retention pins made of the same material as the connector housing (typically a dielectric plastic material), which can be produced in a cost-efficient manner. The asymmetrical arrangement of the retention pins does not complicate the manufacturing process, as the pins can still be molded or attached in the same way as conventional symmetrical arrangements. This allows simple, cost-effective production while achieving efficient space utilization through back-to-back mounting on both sides of the PCB.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector mountable to a substrate (e.g. a Printed Circuit Board, PCB) can include a terminal housing having a front wall and an opposing back wall. An opening is provided in the front wall for receiving a plug inside the terminal housing, opposing side walls, and a top wall and an opposing bottom wall. The bottom wall has an inner surface facing the inside of the terminal housing and an outer surface facing away from the inside of the terminal housing. The outer surface (can have at least two retention pins projecting from the outer surface for being inserted into corresponding holes in the PCB. A first retention pin can be positioned on the outer surface so as to be arranged asymmetrically with respect to a second retention pin.