PCB Contacting Device Using Guided Insertion and Centering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for contacting printed circuit boards, such as using connector heads, require high insertion forces and can lead to damage, especially when the board has a flexible carrier plate, and often result in incorrect connections.
Innovation Solution
A device that fixes the printed circuit board in a holder and moves it guidedly to contact elements, using low forces and centering elements to ensure precise alignment and prevent tilting, with a resiliently mounted receptacle that applies contact pressure evenly, allowing for safe and reliable connection without damaging the board.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If connector heads are used to contact printed circuit boards, then electrical connection is achieved, but high insertion forces are required and damage to the board may occur
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the connector heads towards the printed circuit board (traditional approach), the invention inverts the approach by moving the printed circuit board towards the stationary contact elements. This reversal allows the board to be guided into position, reducing insertion force and preventing damage while maintaining reliable electrical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a receptacle as an intermediary component that holds the printed circuit board and guides its movement. This mediator ensures proper alignment and positioning of the board relative to the contact elements, enabling reliable connection without requiring high insertion forces.
2Reliability
If connector heads are plugged in individually, then electrical connection is established, but incorrect plugging may occur resulting in damage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple individual connector functions into a single integrated contact assembly with multiple contact elements arranged in a fixed pattern. This allows the entire connection to be established in one operation rather than individually plugging in multiple connectors, eliminating the risk of incorrect plugging and ensuring proper alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle serves as a mediator that pre-aligns the printed circuit board with the contact elements before contact is made. This guided positioning ensures that all connections are established in the correct orientation, preventing incorrect plugging and potential damage.
3Reliability
If high insertion forces are used to ensure contact, then reliable connection is achieved, but damage to flexible carrier plates occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention reverses the traditional approach by having the printed circuit board move towards stationary contact elements rather than forcing connectors onto the board. This inversion naturally limits the contact force to what is needed for alignment, preventing damage to flexible carrier plates while ensuring reliable contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle performs preliminary alignment and positioning of the printed circuit board before contact with the contact elements is made. This preliminary action ensures proper positioning is achieved before any contact force is applied, preventing damage while guaranteeing reliable connection.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for contacting a circuit board (18), comprising one or more contact elements (14), an intake into which at least one section of the circuit board (18) can be inserted, means for moving the circuit board (18) relative to the contact elements (14) until the contact elements (14) are contacted, and means for fixing the circuit board in the position in which the contact elements (14) are contacted.