PCB Mounting Assembly for Non-Conductive Connector Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in SMD assembly of non-conductive interconnects on printed circuit boards is the inability to solder them to the circuit board, requiring additional manual or adhesive steps, which are time-consuming and costly, and the use of electrically conductive connectors necessitates maintaining large voltage gaps, complicating assembly in compact, high-density electrical devices.
Innovation Solution
A non-electrically conductive connecting element with a base body and counter-support, designed for SMD assembly, prevents rotation and ensures stable mechanical connection by projecting sections, allowing automated attachment and maintaining voltage clearances without soldering or adhesives, using fasteners for secure fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If non-conductive connecting elements are attached using adhesive dots in SMD assembly, then automated assembly is achieved, but additional production steps and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the adhesive bonding system with a mechanical retention system. The connecting element features a retention structure that mechanically engages with the PCB without requiring adhesive dots, thereby eliminating the additional production step while maintaining automated assembly capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the adhesive bonding step from the assembly process by designing a self-retaining connecting element. The retention structure is integrated into the connecting element itself, removing the need for separate adhesive application and curing steps in the production line
2Manufacturing precision
If non-conductive connecting elements are attached manually, then assembly precision is improved, but production time and manufacturing costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is designed with self-aligning and self-retaining features that enable automated placement machines to position and secure the component without manual intervention. The retention structure automatically engages with the PCB, providing precise assembly through automated processes rather than manual operations
Solution Approach 2:
The retention structure acts as an intermediary mechanism between the automated placement machine and the PCB. It provides the mechanical interface that allows automated equipment to achieve precise positioning and secure attachment without requiring manual dexterity or complex positioning systems
3Extent of automation
If electrically conductive connectors are used for mechanical connection, then automated SMD assembly is enabled, but voltage clearance distances must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the connecting element non-conductive specifically at the portions that contact or near electrical components on the PCB. This localized insulation property allows the connector to be placed in proximity to electrical components without compromising voltage clearance, while still enabling automated SMD assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element is made from non-conductive materials that combine mechanical strength with electrical insulation properties. This composite material approach allows the single component to fulfill both mechanical connection and electrical isolation functions, eliminating the need for increased voltage clearance distances
4Ease of manufacture
If connecting elements are designed without retention structures, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but assembly stability and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is segmented into functional portions: a body portion for mechanical connection and a retention structure for securement. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall manufacturing simplicity through integrated molding or construction
Solution Approach 2:
The retention structure is merged with the connecting element body to form an integrated component. This merging eliminates the need for separate retention features or additional assembly steps, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while ensuring assembly stability through the combined structure
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to an arrangement by which a printed circuit board (8) of an electrical device, e.g., a power electronic circuit or power supply, populated with components (9a, 9b), can be mechanically connected to another device part, in particular a housing. The arrangement is mounted on the printed circuit board (8) and comprises at least one connecting element (1) made of non-conductive material and at least one electrical component (9a, 9b). The connecting element (1) is configured to receive a fastening means for connection to the other device part and has at least one base body (2) and a counter-support (3) which is attached to an upper end of the base body (2). The base body (2) can be inserted into a corresponding outlet (10) in the printed circuit board (8) and is configured to prevent the connecting element (1) from rotating after insertion into the outlet (10) in the printed circuit board (8).The counter-support (3) has at least one section (5a, 5b) that projects beyond a cross-section of the base body (2). Furthermore, the base body also has at least one section (4a, 4b) that projects beyond a cross-section of the counter-support (3), wherein the at least one section (4a, 4b) of the base body (2) and the at least one section (5a, 5b) of the counter-support (3) are arranged offset from each other. The arrangement further comprises at least one electronic component (9a, 9b) that is detachably or permanently mounted on the circuit board (8) such that the connecting element (1) is held or locked in a positionally stable manner in the outlet (10) in the circuit board (8).