PCB Contact Fixture Through-Hole Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing contact fixtures for printed circuit boards (PCBs) face challenges in providing a simple, space-conserving, and detachable electrically conductive connection between plug-in connectors on opposite sides of the PCB, while also allowing for easy coupling and secure fixation.
Innovation Solution
A contact fixture design featuring connector elements that establish a detachable electrically conductive connection through openings in the PCB, utilizing sleeve-shaped or telescopic connectors with limit stops and fixing mechanisms, such as spring elements, to facilitate a form-fit or press-fit connection between plug-in connectors on opposite sides of the PCB.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional contact fixtures are used to establish electrically conductive connections between plug-in connectors on opposite sides of the PCB, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but the device occupies excessive space and lacks detachability
Solution Approach 1:
The contact elements are inserted through openings in the PCB, with the first contact element on the first side and the second contact element on the second side, creating a nested arrangement where the connection path is embedded within the PCB structure itself, thereby reducing the footprint area required for the connection
Solution Approach 2:
The electrically conductive connection is segmented into detachable contact elements that can be independently inserted and removed through openings in the PCB, allowing the connection to be established through the PCB thickness rather than requiring large surface area connections
2Reliability
If permanent fixed connections are used between plug-in connectors, then stable electrical connection is achieved, but detachability and reconfigurability are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The contact fixture transitions from a static permanent connection to a dynamic detachable connection, where the contact elements can be inserted and removed to establish or terminate electrical connections as needed, providing adaptability while maintaining stability during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The connection is divided into separable contact elements that can be independently inserted through PCB openings, enabling the connection to be made or broken by simply removing or inserting these segmented contact elements without affecting the entire fixture
3Reliability
If complex fixation mechanisms are used to secure plug-in connectors, then connection security is improved, but assembly complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The contact elements are designed to be self-fixing through the openings in the PCB, where the PCB structure itself provides the fixation mechanism by holding the contact elements in place through the opening, eliminating the need for additional complex external fixation components
Solution Approach 2:
The contact elements are nested within the PCB structure through the openings, where the PCB acts as both the mounting substrate and the fixation mechanism, simplifying the overall assembly by integrating the fixation function into the existing PCB structure
Data Source
AI summary
The patent deals with a contact fixture for a PCB with one first plug-in connector and one second plug-in connector, whereby the first plug-in connector has a number of first contact elements, the second plug-in connector has a number of second contact elements, the first plug-in connector is arranged on the first side of the PCB, the second plug-in connector is arranged on the second side of the PCB opposite to the first side, the first contact element and/or the second contact element is/are designed as a connector to establish a detachable electrically conductive connection with at least the second contact element or the first contact element, and the first contact element and the second contact element are connected through an opening in the PCB.