PCB Plug Connector Solder Anchor for Compact Mechanical Securing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug connectors for printed circuit boards require significant installation space and robust solder anchors that complicate design due to voltage characteristics, necessitating a balance between mechanical security and space efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A separately formed, flat, planar solder anchor with a soldering section and a bent locking section interlocking into the connector housing, along with an attachment section secured in a receptacle, provides mechanical stability with minimal space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a robust solder anchor is used to ensure adequate mechanical securing, then the mechanical strength is improved, but the installation space occupied is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The solder anchor is designed as a flat, planar component with a thickness of only 0.5 to 2 mm, transitioning from a bulky three-dimensional structure to a thin two-dimensional structure. This dimensional change allows the anchor to provide robust mechanical securing through its planar geometry and interlocking features while occupying minimal installation space on the connector housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The solder anchor is divided into distinct functional sections: a soldering section for electrical connection to the printed circuit board, a connecting section for structural integrity, and a locking section with interlocking features for mechanical attachment to the connector housing. This segmentation allows each part to optimize its function while maintaining an overall compact design.
2Area of stationary object
If a separately formed solder anchor is used to reduce installation space, then the space requirement is reduced, but the mechanical securing strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The locking section of the solder anchor features a bent configuration with curved geometries that enable interlocking engagement with corresponding features on the connector housing. This curved design provides mechanical strength and secure attachment while maintaining a compact, space-efficient form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The solder anchor integrates multiple material properties and functions within a single component: solderable surfaces for electrical connection, rigid structural sections for mechanical strength, and interlocking features for secure attachment. This composite approach ensures robust mechanical securing despite the reduced size.
3Reliability
If the solder anchor is designed with interlocking features for multiple directions of force, then the reliability under various forces is improved, but the device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The solder anchor serves multiple functions within a single component: it provides electrical connection through the soldering section, structural support through the connecting section, and mechanical attachment in multiple directions through the locking section with interlocking features. This multi-functionality ensures reliability under various force directions without requiring multiple separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The solder anchor combines electrical connection functionality and mechanical attachment functionality into a single integrated component. The interlocking features are incorporated directly into the anchor body, merging the electrical and mechanical securing functions into one element, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A plug connector for connection to a printed circuit board is described wherein the plug connector has a connector housing and electrical contacts for contacting mating contacts of a mating connector that is connectable to the plug connector. In addition, the plug connector has a separately formed solder anchor arranged on the connector housing for mechanically securing the connection of the plug connector to the printed circuit board.