Plug Connection Receptacle Spring Integration

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing direct plug-in connections for printed circuit boards require spring elements for contact pressure support, which complicates miniaturization, is difficult to optimize, and generates counteracting forces, affecting the dimensioning and insertion force of the connector.

Innovation Solution

The pressing force support is integrated into the plug-in receptacle, eliminating the need for a pressure spring on the plug-side, allowing for optimized force application and reduced counter forces, enabling miniaturization and easier plugging by applying contact pressure directly above the contact surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If spring elements are used for contact pressure support in the cable harness connector, then contact pressure can be maintained, but the connector size increases and miniaturization is hindered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact pressureVSAvoidconnector size
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The pressing force support function is extracted from the cable harness connector and transferred to the plug-in receptacle. This removes the spring element from the moving connector, enabling miniaturization while maintaining contact pressure through the stationary receptacle structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of providing spring support in the moving connector, the invention inverts the approach by placing the spring element and pressing force support in the stationary plug-in receptacle. This reversal allows the connector to be minimized while the receptacle absorbs the mechanical support function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Force

If spring elements are used for contact pressure support, then contact force can be maintained, but the structure becomes complex and optimization becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact forceVSAvoidconnector structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spring element and associated complexity are extracted from the connector assembly and placed in the receptacle. This simplifies the connector structure to essentially a rigid plug, making it easier to design, manufacture, and optimize while the receptacle handles the mechanical compliance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Force

If spring elements are used in the connector, then contact pressure can be applied, but counteracting forces and moments are generated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact pressureVSAvoidcounteracting forces
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The plug-in receptacle acts as an intermediary between the connector and the contact surfaces. The spring element in the receptacle provides pressing force support without generating counteracting forces in the connector, as the force is applied directly to the contact surfaces through the receptacle structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Force

If pressing force support is provided in the connector, then contact pressure can be maintained, but pretensioning is required which affects spring dimensioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact pressureVSAvoidspring dimensioning
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pressing force support function is taken out from the connector, eliminating the need for pretensioning in the connector's spring element. The spring in the receptacle can be dimensioned based solely on the required contact pressure without additional pretension requirements, simplifying the design process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 enhances miniaturization, optimizes force application, minimizes spring deflection, and reduces the risk of damage during plugging by applying contact pressure as a line load, facilitating a smoother and more efficient connection process.

Implementation Method 1

a pressure spring (12) is provided in the plug-in receptacle (5)... which engage in the mating path of the two halves (8) of the contact carrier. The two contact carrier halves (8) of the inserted cable harness plug (6) are tensioned towards one another by these pressure springs (12), as a result of which their contact elements (9) are pressed against the contact surfaces (2) of the printed circuit board (3) with a corresponding contact pressure.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2702638B1Plug connection for directly electrically contacting a circuit board
Publication Date: 2015.03.04 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP2702638B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~3

AI summary

The invention relates to a plug connection (1) for directly electrically connecting contact surfaces (2) on a circuit board (3) having a plug receptacle (5), which is associated with the circuit board (3) and into which the circuit board (3) protrudes, having a plug (6) that can be plugged into the plug receptacle (5) and that comprises a contact carrier (8) having contact elements (9) for directly electrically contacting the contact surfaces (2) of the circuit board (3), and having a pressure spring device (11) for pressing the contact elements (9) of the contact carrier (8) against the contact surfaces (2) of the circuit board (3), wherein according to the invention the pressure spring device (11) is provided in the plug receptacle (5).