Plug-in Connection for Printed Circuit Boards with Guide Arrangements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing plug-in connections for printed circuit boards in field devices lack secure and reliable electrical contact, leading to potential slippage and mechanical stress, which limits their adaptability across various field device types.

Innovation Solution

A plug-in connection design featuring at least one web with a clamping mechanism, including a first and second guide arrangement, and a clamping screw with an internal thread, which secures the electrical cable and prevents slippage while allowing plane-parallel connection, and optionally includes an electrically conductive washer for additional security and grounding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a simple plug connection with multiple connection pins is used, then ease of insertion is improved, but reliability of electrical contact deteriorates due to lack of locking mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of insertionVSAvoidreliability of electrical contact
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection device is divided into separate functional components: guide arrangements for alignment, clamping devices for securing, and electrical contact elements. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while working together as an integrated system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The guide arrangements are designed to preliminarily align the plug connection with the socket connection before final engagement. This preliminary alignment ensures proper positioning and prevents misalignment during insertion, improving both ease of operation and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If a screw-based cable fixation is used, then reliability of electrical contact is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of electrical contactVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functions are merged into integrated components: the clamping device combines cable fixation, electrical contact, and mechanical securing functions. The guide arrangements are integrated into the housing structure, reducing the number of separate parts while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection device is designed with universal applicability across different field device types. The modular design with standardized guide arrangements and clamping mechanisms allows the same basic structure to serve multiple purposes and be adapted to various cable types and configurations.

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

3Strength

If vertical pins with feet are used to reduce mechanical stress, then strength against vertical force is improved, but adaptability to different field device types deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestrength against vertical forceVSAvoidadaptability to different field device types
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connection device incorporates dynamic elements that allow adaptation to different installation scenarios. The clamping mechanism can accommodate varying cable positions and orientations, while the guide arrangements can be configured for different field device types, maintaining both strength and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The design allows for parameter changes to suit different applications. The guide arrangements can be positioned at different locations, the clamping force can be adjusted, and the electrical contact elements can be configured for various signal types (4-20 mA, digital signals), enabling the same basic structure to work across multiple field device types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of operation

If a flat plug connector aligned horizontally is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of mechanical fixation deteriorates due to lack of secure locking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of connectionVSAvoidreliability of mechanical fixation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The guide arrangements serve as intermediary elements between the horizontal plug connector and the vertical mounting structure. They mediate the transition from horizontal insertion to secure vertical fixation, maintaining ease of operation while ensuring reliable mechanical attachment through the clamping devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3465825B1Plug-in connection for electrically contacting a printed circuit board
Publication Date: 2021.04.07 ENDRESS & HAUSER GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3465825B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3465825B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3465825B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The invention relates to a plug-in connection for electrically contacting a printed circuit board provided in the interior of a field device. According to the invention, the plug-in connection comprises a plug-in termination located on the printed circuit board and having at least one land and a first guide arrangement. As a counterpart, the plug-in connection has a clamp connector comprising: a second guide arrangement designed to complement the first guide arrangement; and at least one clamp device which can be used to clamp at least one termination of at least one electrical cable to the at least one land. The construction according to the invention guarantees the electrical contacting of the cable and the clamp connector is also prevented from slipping out by being simultaneously clamped to the land. A simply and reliably contactable plug-in connection for a printed circuit board is thus provided and said circuit board can be used as a module in a plurality of different types of field device as a result of the plug-in connection according to the invention.