Perpendicular PCB Mounting via Spring-Loaded Connector

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for assembling printed circuit board arrangements, such as using tools to attach daughterboards to main boards, are costly and time-consuming, requiring additional steps and components.

Innovation Solution

A printed circuit board arrangement featuring a main board with an elongated slot and a secondary board with a connector portion that includes a spring portion engaging with a wedge-shaped protrusion, allowing the secondary board to be securely attached at a perpendicular angle without additional tools or components, reducing production tolerance and material requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If tools are used to hold and attach the main board and daughter board, then the assembly can be securely attached, but the cost increases and additional time-consuming steps are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector portion is designed with an integrated spring mechanism that automatically engages with the protrusion on the main board when inserted, eliminating the need for external tools or additional fastening components. The spring's elastic force self-regulates to maintain secure attachment without requiring manual intervention or complex assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment function is extracted from external tools and integrated directly into the connector portion of the daughter board. The spring mechanism is built into the connector itself, removing the need for separate fastening devices and simplifying the overall assembly process while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If traditional attachment methods are used, then reliable connection is achieved, but production time and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The spring portion is pre-formed with the appropriate elastic properties and geometric configuration during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the connector is inserted into the slot, the spring automatically engages with the protrusion and provides the necessary attachment force without requiring additional assembly operations, thereby increasing production speed while maintaining connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the connector portion is made with high precision to ensure proper engagement, then reliable attachment is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengagement reliabilityVSAvoidconnector precision requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The spring portion's elastic properties and geometric parameters are optimized to provide a tolerance-compensating mechanism. The spring's flexibility allows it to adapt to variations in the connector and protrusion dimensions, maintaining reliable engagement even when manufacturing tolerances are relaxed. This reduces the precision requirements for the connector portion while ensuring consistent attachment reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution simplifies and cost-reduces the assembly process by eliminating the need for extra tools and components, allowing for efficient and compact electronics design with reduced material requirements and simplified mounting steps.

Implementation Method 1

the spring portion is forced to bend resulting in a force pressing the connector portion to the second side wall of the elongated slot

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3146811B1Printed circuit board arrangement
Publication Date: 2023.08.02 SIGNIFY HOLDING BV
  • EP3146811B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3146811B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3146811B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A printed circuit board arrangement and a method for mounting a product to a main printed circuit board (100) at a substantially perpendicular angle, the printed circuit board arrangement comprises a main printed circuit board (100) comprising an elongated slot (102), and a product (128) comprising a connector portion (130) configured to be inserted into the elongated slot (102). The connector portion (130) is such that the product (128) may be attached at a substantially perpendicular angle to the main printed circuit board (100). The elongated slot (102) comprises a protrusion (104), and the connector portion (130) comprises a spring portion (132) configured to engage with the protrusion (104) when the connector portion (130) is inserted into the elongated slot (102). This results in a force pressing the connector portion (130) of the product (128) to at least one side wall of the elongated slot (102).