PCB Connector Torque Transmission via Segmented Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for printed circuit boards face challenges in withstanding mechanical loads, such as torque, which can compromise electrical connections and are difficult to automate, leading to increased production costs and limited mechanical robustness.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a first member with engagement means and a flange to transmit torque to the PCB, and a second member with connector pins and a bracket to maintain electrical connection, allowing for higher fastening forces and vibration resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the connector uses pins for both electrical and mechanical connection to the PCB, then the electrical connection is tight, but the mechanical load capacity is limited and the screw connection can only be tightened to a limited degree
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into separate functional components: a first member with engagement means for mechanical torque transmission to the PCB, and a second member with connector pins for electrical connection. This segmentation allows the mechanical and electrical functions to be independently optimized without compromising each other.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement means acts as an intermediary between the screw connection and the PCB, absorbing and transmitting torque to the PCB while protecting the electrical pins from mechanical stress. This intermediary component enables high torque application without affecting electrical connection integrity.
2Reliability
If the connector uses press-fitting process to fasten pins to the PCB, then the electrical connection is secure, but the manufacturing process is difficult to automate and results in higher production cost and time
Solution Approach 1:
The connector structure separates the press-fitting requirement from the main connector body. Only the electrical pins need to be attached to the PCB, which can be done using automated soldering processes, while the mechanical engagement means is integrated into the connector housing that can be installed separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual press-fitting process is replaced with automated soldering for attaching the electrical pins to the PCB. The engagement means provides mechanical retention without requiring complex press-fitting tooling, enabling automated assembly line production.
3Force
If the soldering connection to the PCB is exposed to mechanical load when applying torque to the connector, then the screw connection can be tightened, but the electrical connection reliability is compromised especially in situations requiring high torque
Solution Approach 1:
The connector separates the torque transmission path from the electrical connection path. The engagement means on the first member handles all mechanical torque transmission to the PCB, while the connector pins on the second member remain isolated from mechanical loads, maintaining electrical connection integrity even under high fastening forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement means serves as a protective intermediary that absorbs all mechanical stresses and torques, preventing these forces from being transmitted to the soldering connection of the electrical pins. This allows high torque application without compromising electrical connection reliability.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
Connector (10) for a printed circuit board (30), comprising a first member (11) comprising engagement means (111) with the printed circuit board configured to transfer a torque to the printed circuit board, an abutting surface (113) and a connecting means (114), and a second member (12) made of an electrically conductive material, comprising at least one connector pin (122) for electrical connection to the printed circuit board and a bracket (121) extending from the connector pin to at least partially overlap the abutting surface.