Perpendicular PCB Assembly with Blade Terminals for Vibration Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printed circuit board assemblies in a perpendicular configuration face challenges in achieving robust mechanical and electrical connections, particularly in damping vibrations and reducing strain on electrical interfaces, while maintaining efficient electrical trace connectivity.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves a printed circuit board assembly with male terminal tabs on one board fitting into complementary female terminal slots on another, along with blade terminals that provide mechanical stability and serve as additional electrical connections, enhancing the perpendicular arrangement and supporting electrical circuits like power feeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If male terminal tabs are press-fit into female terminal slots to connect printed circuit boards, then electrical connection is achieved, but mechanical strength and vibration resistance are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges electrical connection and mechanical support functions into a single integrated terminal tab-slot structure. The male terminal tabs extend from the first printed circuit board and press-fit into female terminal slots in the second printed circuit board, simultaneously providing both electrical connectivity and mechanical bonding between the boards, eliminating the need for separate connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal tabs and slots serve multiple functions: they provide electrical connection pathways, mechanical support, vibration damping, and structural alignment between the printed circuit boards. This multi-functional design resolves the contradiction by making the connection interface both electrically conductive and mechanically robust.
2Volume of moving object
If printed circuit boards are connected in a perpendicular fashion, then space efficiency is improved, but strain on electrical interfaces increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates vibration-damping features in the terminal tab and slot design that cushion against vibrations and strains before they can damage the electrical interfaces. The press-fit structure and material selection provide inherent protection against the harmful effects of perpendicular mounting, allowing compact 3D arrangements while protecting the electrical connections.
3Reliability
If additional blade terminals are added for mechanical support, then vibration damping improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blade terminals are integrated directly into the printed circuit board structure rather than being separate components. They extend from the board edges and connect to existing electrical traces, merging the mechanical support function with the electrical connection system and avoiding additional complexity from separate support structures.
Data Source
AI summary
A printed circuit board assembly includes a first printed circuit board having a plurality of electrical traces that is attached to a second printed circuit board having a plurality of electrical traces in a substantially perpendicular fashion. The first printed circuit board has a plurality of male terminal tabs that fit into a plurality of female terminal slots of the second printed circuit board to make a plurality of electrical connections between the electrical traces of the first printed circuit board and the electrical traces of the second printed circuit board. The assembly has at least two mechanical connections between the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board comprising connector blades that are substantially perpendicular to the first printed circuit board and to the second printed circuit board. The connector blades may also make electrical connections between electrical traces of the first and second printed circuit boards. A method of making an alternate printed circuit board for the assembly involves punching or drilling the alternate printed circuit board to provide a plurality of female terminals in an elongate slot.