PCB-to-Terminal Block Insertion Connection for Automated Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for connecting a terminal block to a printed circuit board, such as screwing or soldering, are time-consuming and not suitable for automated mounting, reducing productivity and requiring complex attachment structures.
Innovation Solution
A connection structure featuring a printed circuit board with a patterned end portion, a terminal block with a receiving space and a nut, and a screw tightened into the nut with the pattern interposed between the screw and nut, allowing for reliable and efficient attachment of the terminal block.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the terminal block is screwed to the printed circuit board or soldered, then reliable attachment is achieved, but the process is time-consuming and not suitable for automated mounting
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure is segmented into distinct functional components: the printed circuit board with drawn-out pattern, the terminal block main body with receiving space, the nut held in the terminal block, and the screw. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and assembled through simple insertion and tightening motions that are suitable for automated mounting while maintaining reliable attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The pattern is drawn out from the printed circuit board in advance to the insertion portion, and the nut is pre-held in the terminal block main body. These preliminary actions prepare the components for rapid assembly by eliminating the need for complex alignment and positioning during the actual mounting process, thereby increasing productivity without compromising attachment reliability.
2Productivity
If the electric wire is fixed directly to the pattern with a screw without using the terminal block, then productivity is improved, but the attachment plate structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal block main body is extracted as a separate component that houses the nut and provides the receiving space for the insertion portion. This extraction allows the attachment plate to remain simple while the terminal block handles the complexity of securing the electric wire through the screw and nut mechanism, thus maintaining productivity without complicating the attachment plate structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal block main body acts as an intermediary component between the printed circuit board and the electric wire. It provides the receiving space for the insertion portion and houses the nut, thereby simplifying the overall structure by concentrating the complex functions in a dedicated intermediate component rather than complicating the attachment plate.
3Extent of automation
If the pattern is drawn out near the end portion of the printed circuit board, then automated mounting is enabled, but the connection structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The drawn-out pattern serves multiple functions: it provides the insertion portion for automated mounting, acts as the electrical connection path, and enables the screw to pass through and tighten against the nut. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the overall connection structure while maintaining automated mounting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The insertion portion and the electrical pattern are merged into a single drawn-out structure on the printed circuit board. This merging eliminates the need for separate alignment features and electrical contacts, thereby reducing structural complexity while enabling automated mounting through the unified insertion and connection mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A connection structure between a printed circuit board and a terminal block includes: an insertion portion at one end of the printed circuit board with a pattern disposed thereon; a terminal-block main body including a receiving port that receives the insertion portion; a nut held in the terminal-block main body; and a screw tightened into the nut. The pattern is interposed between the screw and the nut when the insertion portion is inserted into the receiving port.