PCB Plug Connector Fastening With Shared Shielding and Retaining Plate

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a simple fastening method for both unshielded and shielded plug connectors on printed circuit boards using the same arrangement of solder points, as existing solutions require separate solder points for strain relief brackets and shielding plates.

Innovation Solution

A plug connector design that includes a housing with a fastening mechanism and a shielding or retaining plate, where the retaining plate is connected to the same solder points as the shielding plate, allowing for secure fastening to the printed circuit board without the need for additional solder points, and can be used interchangeably with shielding plates to maintain electrical contact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate solder points are used for strain relief brackets and shielding plates, then unshielded and shielded plug connectors can be fastened securely, but the complexity of the solder point arrangement increases and manufacturing becomes more complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening securityVSAvoidsolder point arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a retaining plate that serves multiple functions: it acts as both a strain relief bracket for unshielded connectors and a mounting structure for shielded connectors. The same retaining plate and solder point arrangement are used in both shielded and unshielded versions, eliminating the need for separate fastening mechanisms and simplifying the solder point layout while maintaining secure fastening for both connector types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If strain relief brackets are used for unshielded plug connectors, then secure fastening is achieved, but additional solder points are required beyond those for the connector itself

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening securityVSAvoidnumber of solder points
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the function of the strain relief bracket with the shielding plate structure. The retaining plate is integrated into the connector assembly such that it uses the same solder points as the connector contacts. This combining of functions eliminates the need for separate solder points for strain relief, reducing the total quantity of solder points required while maintaining secure fastening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If shielding plates are used for shielded plug connectors, then electromagnetic shielding is provided, but the fastening mechanism becomes more complex compared to unshielded connectors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic interferenceVSAvoidfastening mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by creating a fastening mechanism that is identical for both shielded and unshielded connectors. The retaining plate and its connection method to the printed circuit board are the same regardless of whether a shielding plate is present. This universal fastening approach simplifies the overall mechanism while still providing secure mounting for shielded connectors that require electromagnetic shielding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This design allows for the same arrangement of solder points to be used for both shielded and unshielded plug connectors, simplifying manufacturing and configuration, reducing material costs, and ensuring secure retention while maintaining electrical contact.

Implementation Method 1

a section of the shielding plate is soldered to the solder points on the printed circuit board provided for this purpose, creating a materially bonded and electrically conductive connection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSoldering: Soldering

Implementation Method 2

The retaining plate is fastenable to the plurality of solder points of the printed circuit board and the plug connector is fastened to the printed circuit board by the retaining plate and the fastening mechanism

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSoldering: Soldering

Data Source

PatentUS20240429660A1Plug Connector For Making Contact With a Printed Circuit Board
Publication Date: 2024.12.26 ERNI INTERNATIONAL AG
  • US20240429660A1 patent drawing
  • US20240429660A1 patent drawing
  • US20240429660A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A plug connector includes a plug connector housing having a fastening mechanism and a shielding plate or a retaining plate connected to the fastening mechanism. The shielding plate is fastenable to a plurality of solder points of a printed circuit board and the plug connector is fastened to the printed circuit board by the shielding plate and the fastening mechanism. The retaining plate is connected to the fastening mechanism with the shielding plate omitted. The retaining plate has a height that is less than a height of the plug connector housing. The retaining plate is fastenable to the plurality of solder points of the printed circuit board and the plug connector is fastened to the printed circuit board by the retaining plate and the fastening mechanism.