Two-Part PCB Interface for Plug Force Isolation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interfaces for electrically contacting printed circuit boards often transmit insertion and removal forces to the board, potentially damaging it during repeated plugging operations.
Innovation Solution
A double-sided and/or two-part interface design where one part is fastened to the housing, allowing it to absorb insertion and removal forces, thereby reducing stress on the printed circuit board.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If contact pins are used to electrically connect the connector to the printed circuit board, then electrical connection is established, but insertion and removal forces are transmitted to the printed circuit board causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The interface is divided into two separate parts: a first interface on the printed circuit board and a second interface on the housing. This segmentation allows the mechanical connection functions to be separated from the electrical connection functions, so that insertion and removal forces are absorbed by the housing interface rather than being transmitted to the printed circuit board.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing acts as an intermediary element between the connector and the printed circuit board. The second interface on the housing absorbs the mechanical insertion and removal forces, preventing these forces from being transmitted directly to the printed circuit board while still maintaining the electrical connection through the contact pins.
2Strength
If contact pins are soldered to the printed circuit board for mechanical support, then the connector is secured, but the printed circuit board is stressed during repeated plugging operations
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical support function is segmented from the electrical connection function. The housing provides the mechanical support and absorbs the stress during repeated plugging operations, while the printed circuit board only needs to provide electrical connection through its contact points, reducing the stress on the board.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical support and stress-absorption functions are extracted from the printed circuit board and transferred to the housing. The housing's second interface is designed to bear the mechanical loads during insertion and removal, freeing the printed circuit board from these harmful stresses.
3Device complexity
If a single integrated interface is used for both electrical and mechanical connection, then the structure is simplified, but the printed circuit board is exposed to damaging forces
Solution Approach 1:
The interface is segmented into two distinct parts located at different positions: the first interface on the printed circuit board for electrical connection and the second interface on the housing for mechanical connection. This segmentation protects the printed circuit board from mechanical forces while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves the mechanical connection interface to a different spatial dimension - the housing - rather than keeping it integrated with the printed circuit board interface. This dimensional separation allows the two interfaces to perform their respective functions independently without transmitting harmful forces.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The invention relates to an interface for electrically contacting a printed circuit board (3) housed in a housing (4). The interface is formed as a double-sided and/or two-part interface (1, 2) by means of a first (1) and second (2) interface, and the interface has the following features: the first interface (1) has at least one first contact element (10) which is brought into electric contact with at least one terminal (30) of the printed circuit board (3); the second interface (2) has at least one second contact element (20); and the second interface (2) is designed to correspond to the first interface (1) and is arranged on an opening (40) of the housing (4) in a stationary manner such that the first (10) and second (20) contact element are brought into contact with each other, and the second contact element (20) provides a terminal which can be contacted from outside of the housing (4), wherein plug-in and/or pulling forces acting on the terminal are received by the second interface (2) and/or the housing (4). The second interface (2) can be suitably designed for connecting a plug connector (5) on the housing exterior, and the first contact element (10) can be suitably provided by a stamped bent contact (10).