PCB Connector With Third Interface for Combined Signal Distribution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors require lengthy assembly times and significant economic effort for manufacturing and assembly, especially in modular electrical assemblies, as they need separate connectors for signal transmission and are not optimized for efficient signal distribution between circuit arrangements.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector with a first and second interface, allowing plug-in compatibility, and a third interface for direct or indirect contact with an electrical conductor, which replaces the need for two separate connectors, enabling efficient signal distribution and reducing assembly complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If separate connectors are used for signal transmission between circuit arrangements, then signal transmission functionality is achieved, but assembly time and economic effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple connector functions into a single electrical connector that integrates both data signal transmission and power supply transmission. This single connector replaces what would traditionally require separate connectors, thereby reducing assembly time and the number of components while maintaining all necessary signal transmission functionalities between circuit arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connector is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a data signal transmission interface and a power supply transmission interface. The connector includes multiple contact elements that can simultaneously handle different types of signals, making it a universal solution that eliminates the need for separate specialized connectors for different signal types.
2Reliability
If multiple separate connectors are used for different signal types, then signal transmission reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple connector functions into a single integrated electrical connector that handles both data and power signals. This consolidation reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating the need to produce, inventory, and assemble multiple separate connectors, while the integrated design maintains reliable signal transmission through dedicated contact elements for each signal type.
3Loss of substance
If traditional separate connectors are used, then signal transmission functionality is achieved, but material consumption and assembly effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple connector functions into a single electrical connector that integrates both data signal transmission and power supply transmission. This single connector replaces what would traditionally require separate connectors, thereby reducing assembly time and the number of components while maintaining all necessary signal transmission functionalities between circuit arrangements.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
The invention relates to an electrical connector (1), in particular a printed circuit board connector, with a first end section (2) and a second end section (4), wherein a first electrical interface (3) is formed on the first end section (2) and a second electrical interface (5) is formed on the second end section (4). The electrical connector (1) also has an axis of extension (L) extending between the first interface (3) and the second interface (5). The first interface (3) and the second interface (5) can each be connected at least along a first insertion direction (S1) oriented transversely to the axis of extension (L) to a corresponding mating interface of an electrical mating connector.Between the two end sections (2, 4) a third electrical interface (6) is formed for contacting at least one electrical conductor (7) of an electrical circuit (8), in particular for contacting an electrical conductor (7) of an electrical circuit (8) of an electrical circuit board (9).