PCB-Mediated Connector Assembly for Compact 90-Degree Terminals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing high-speed data connectors with 90-degree connections have terminals that are long, prone to deformation, difficult to manufacture, and occupy significant space, making assembly challenging.

Innovation Solution

The electrical connection assembly features first and second terminals with shorter lengths, press-fitted into circuit board receptacles, connected via conductive traces, and secured with elastic latches, reducing assembly complexity and space usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a long terminal is used for 90-degree connection, then the terminal can extend beyond the housing bottom surface for soldering, but the terminal occupies much space, is easily deformed, and is difficult to manufacture and assemble

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveterminal manufacturing and assemblyVSAvoidterminal length and space occupation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal is divided into two separate terminals: a first terminal that extends in the first direction and is press-fitted into a first receptacle, and a second terminal that includes a first extension press-fitted into a second receptacle and a second extension connected to the first extension. This segmentation eliminates the need for a single long terminal, reducing its length and space occupation while simplifying manufacturing and assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The circuit board acts as an intermediary between the first terminal and the second terminal. The first terminal is electrically connected to the second terminal via a conductive trace formed on the circuit board, allowing electrical connection without requiring a single long terminal structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a long terminal is used for 90-degree connection, then the terminal can extend beyond the housing bottom surface for soldering, but the terminal is easily deformed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveterminal deformation resistanceVSAvoidterminal length
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Dividing the terminal into multiple shorter segments (first terminal and second terminal with extensions) reduces the overall length of each individual terminal component, making them less prone to deformation while maintaining the required electrical connection functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first terminal and second terminal are press-fitted into receptacles on the circuit board in advance, establishing stable positions before final assembly. This preliminary positioning prevents deformation during subsequent assembly steps and ensures reliable electrical connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If a long terminal is used for 90-degree connection, then the terminal can extend beyond the housing bottom surface for soldering, but assembly is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidterminal structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal structure is segmented into multiple independent components (first terminal, second terminal with first and second extensions) that can be assembled separately into receptacles on the circuit board. This reduces assembly difficulty compared to handling a single long terminal, while the overall device complexity is managed through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The traditional soldering connection of a long terminal is replaced with a press-fit mechanical connection system. The first terminal is press-fitted into a first receptacle, and the second terminal is press-fitted into a second receptacle, eliminating the need for complex soldering operations on long terminals and simplifying the assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4679639A1Electrical connection assembly and connector
Publication Date: 2026.01.14 TYCO ELECTRONICS (SHANGHAI) CO LTD
  • EP4679639A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4679639A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4679639A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention discloses an electrical connection assembly, a connector and a connector assembly. The electrical connection assembly includes a circuit board, first and second terminals. The circuit board is formed with first and second receptacles and has front and back faces. The first terminal extends in a first direction perpendicular to the circuit board and has one end press-fitted into the first receptacle from the front face of the circuit board. The second terminal includes a first extension extending in the first direction and has one end press-fitted into the second receptacle from the back face of the circuit board; and a second extension connected to the other end of the first extension and extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The first terminal is electrically connected to the second terminal via a conductive trace formed on the circuit board. In the present invention, length of the first and second terminals is relatively short, making it easy to press-fitted into receptacles of the circuit board, reducing assembly difficulty, assembly time and cost. Additionally, the present invention can greatly reduce the volume of the product by connecting the first and second terminals through the circuit board.