Vehicle Plug Connector Housing That Shields PCB Insertion Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug-in connecting devices for motor vehicles transmit forces to the printed circuit board, limiting the use of thinner materials and increasing weight and installation space, while also compromising robustness and service life.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating stops and latch elements on the housing rather than the printed circuit board to dissipate forces, preventing transmission of forces to the printed circuit board and allowing for a more compact and robust design with fewer components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If forces are transmitted to the printed circuit board during plug-in operation, then the connection is secure, but the printed circuit board requires thicker material increasing weight and installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The force transmission path is segmented into two independent systems: the housing structure (with stops and latch elements) handles mechanical forces, while the printed circuit board handles only electrical connections. This segmentation allows the PCB to be thinner and lighter while maintaining overall connection strength through the housing-borne mechanical structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing acts as an intermediary structure that absorbs and dissipates mechanical forces before they reach the printed circuit board. The stops and latch elements on the housing intercept plug-in forces and lateral loads, preventing direct transmission to the PCB and enabling use of thinner, lighter board material.
2Stability of the object's composition
If forces are transmitted to the printed circuit board, then the connector is stable, but the service life is reduced due to stress on the board
Solution Approach 1:
The connector system is divided into force-bearing components (housing with stops and latches) and electrical components (PCB). This segmentation protects the PCB from cyclic mechanical stress during plug-in/out operations, significantly extending its service life while maintaining connector stability through the robust housing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing serves as a protective intermediary that absorbs mechanical stresses from repeated connection cycles. The stops and latch elements on the housing intercept these forces, preventing them from degrading the PCB and thereby extending the overall service life of the connector assembly.
3Weight of stationary object
If additional components are added to prevent force transmission, then the printed circuit board can be thinner, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force-prevention features (stops and latch elements) are merged directly into the housing structure rather than being separate components. This integration achieves the goal of protecting the PCB and enabling thinner material use without increasing overall device complexity, as the housing already exists as a necessary structural element.
Data Source
AI summary
It is provided a plug-in connecting device for a motor vehicle, comprising a housing comprising a plug-in opening, a printed circuit board that is arranged in the housing and comprises a plug-in portion in the region of an edge of the printed circuit board, and a plug-in connector part, which can be plugged into the plug-in opening in the housing in a plug-in direction such that it electrically contacts the plug-in portion of the printed circuit board. In this case, it is provided that the plug-in connector part comprises at least one stop which strikes at least one stop on the housing in the plug-in direction.