PCB-Mediated Right-Angle Connector Assembly With Shorter Terminals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-speed data connectors with a 90-degree connection have terminals that are long, prone to deformation, difficult to manufacture, and occupy excessive space, making assembly challenging.
Innovation Solution
The electrical connection assembly features a circuit board with first and second terminals that are press-fitted into receptacles, connected via conductive traces, and connected to a connector housing with elastic latches, reducing terminal length and simplifying assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the terminal is designed as a long bent structure extending beyond the housing bottom surface for soldering, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but the terminal occupies excessive space, is easily deformed, and becomes difficult to manufacture and assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal is divided into two separate components: a first terminal fixed in the housing for mating connection, and a second terminal on the circuit board for soldering. These segments are electrically connected through conductive traces on the circuit board, eliminating the need for a single long bent terminal structure
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit board acts as an intermediary element that provides electrical connection between the first terminal (in housing) and the second terminal (for soldering). The conductive traces on the circuit board replace the direct electrical path through a long bent terminal
2Reliability
If the terminal is designed as a long bent structure, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but the terminal is easily deformed during handling and assembly
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the terminal into two separate terminals located at different positions, each terminal can be optimized for its specific function and location, avoiding the structural weaknesses of a long bent configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connection transitions from a three-dimensional bent terminal structure to a two-dimensional trace pattern on the circuit board, reducing spatial occupation and structural complexity
3Reliability
If the terminal is designed as a long bent structure, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but manufacturing and assembly become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal function is segmented between separate components (first terminal in housing, second terminal on circuit board), allowing each to be manufactured independently using standard processes rather than requiring complex forming of a single long bent terminal
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit board with its conductive traces serves as an intermediary that simplifies manufacturing by using standard PCB trace fabrication processes instead of complex terminal forming and bending operations
4Reliability
If the terminal is designed as a long bent structure, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but the connector occupies excessive space
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection path transitions from a long three-dimensional bent terminal to a compact two-dimensional trace layout on the circuit board, significantly reducing the overall volume occupied by the connector assembly
Solution Approach 2:
By separating the terminal functions into distinct locations (housing and circuit board), the connector components can be compacted and optimized independently, reducing total assembly volume
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 results in shorter terminals that are easier to assemble, reducing space occupation and manufacturing complexity while maintaining electrical connectivity.
Implementation Method 1
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
Implementation Method 2
The first extension extends in the first direction and has one end press-fitted into the second receptacle from the back face of the circuit board
Implementation Method 3
The first terminal is electrically connected to the second terminal via a conductive trace formed on the circuit board
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connection assembly includes a circuit board, a first terminal, and a second terminal. The circuit board has a first receptacle, a second receptacle, a front face and a back face. 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 and a second extension. The first extension extends in the first direction and has one end press-fitted into the second receptacle from the back face of the circuit board. The second extension is connected to an other end of the first extension and extends in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The first terminal is electrically connected to the second terminal by a conductive trace on the circuit board.