PCB Edge Connector Retention for Automotive Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cardedge connectors in automotive applications are prone to disconnection due to vibrations and shocks, requiring costly and labor-intensive manual intervention for reconnection, especially in space-constrained environments like automotive lighting modules.
Innovation Solution
Integration of retention means, such as flexible arms or ribs, directly on the printed circuit board (PCB) to securely hold the edge connector in place, eliminating the need for external securing mechanisms and reducing the risk of disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a cardedge connector is used to connect a wire harness to a PCB in an automotive vehicle, then the connector has a small footprint suitable for space-constrained environments, but the connector becomes prone to disconnection due to vibrations and shocks during use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the connector retention function directly with the PCB structure by integrating retention means (such as arms or clips) into the PCB itself. This merging of functions allows the connector to be securely retained without requiring separate external retention components, thus maintaining small footprint while improving connection stability against vibrations and shocks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces retention means (arms or clips) as intermediary elements between the PCB and the connector. These retention means act as mediators that provide secure mechanical retention of the connector to the PCB, preventing disconnection due to vibrations and shocks while maintaining the compact design.
2Reliability
If the connector is mounted with its rear face abutted against a wall to prevent disconnection, then connection stability is improved, but severe design and placement constraints are imposed on the PCB
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the wall-abutment requirement by providing retention means that are integrated into the PCB structure itself. This allows the connector to be retained securely without needing to be mounted against a wall, thereby eliminating the severe design and placement constraints while maintaining connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The PCB is designed with self-contained retention means (arms or clips) that automatically retain the connector without requiring external walls or additional components. This self-service approach allows the PCB to provide its own retention function, eliminating placement constraints and improving adaptability.
3Ease of repair
If manual intervention is used to reconnect a disconnected connector, then the connection can be restored, but the process is work-intensive and costly due to the need to remove many components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides prior cushioning against disconnection by integrating retention means into the PCB structure before any disconnection can occur. The retention arms or clips continuously hold the connector in place, preventing vibration-induced disconnection and eliminating the need for manual reconnection and component removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention means provide continuous automatic retention of the connector without requiring manual intervention. The self-service mechanism prevents disconnection entirely, eliminating maintenance time and costs associated with manual reconnection and component removal.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution significantly reduces the risk of connector disconnection, minimizes maintenance time and costs, and provides design flexibility by allowing PCB placement independent of device walls, making it suitable for automotive lighting where space is limited and vibrations are common.
Implementation Method 1
The resilient flexible portion may preferably be a rib configured for being bent out of the PCB's plane when inserting the edge of the PCB into the edge connector
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides an electrical connection module for an automotive vehicle. The module includes a printed circuit board, PCB, and a connector for connecting a wire harness to said PCB. An edge of the PCB can be inserted into the connector. The module provides retention mechanism that is integral to the PCB. The retention mechanism is shaped and configured to retain the edge connector, if the PCB is seated therein.