Plug-Type Connector Axial Positioning via Contact Carrier Stops

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing plug connectors fail to ensure accurate axial positioning of contacts relative to a printed circuit board, particularly with advanced attachment methods like wave soldering and SMD technology, due to manufacturing tolerances and lack of axial guidance.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an annular collar as a stop on the second leg of the contacts and corresponding counter-stop in the through-openings, along with a contact carrier that can be fixed within a housing, allows for precise axial alignment and compensation of manufacturing tolerances, enabling stable connector assembly before soldering.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If manufacturing tolerances of contacts and insulating body are considered, then production flexibility is improved, but axial positioning accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction flexibilityVSAvoidaxial positioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The contact carrier with its through-openings and counter-stops is designed beforehand to compensate for manufacturing tolerances of individual contacts and the insulating body. The counter-stops engage with the contact stops to pre-position the contacts axially before soldering, cushioning against the accumulation of tolerances and ensuring accurate axial positioning despite production variations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Adaptability or versatility

If wave soldering or SMD attachment methods are used, then manufacturing capability is improved, but axial positioning stability deteriorates due to multiple tolerance accumulations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment method capabilityVSAvoidaxial positioning stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The contact carrier performs preliminary positioning of the contacts axially through the engagement of stops and counter-stops before the actual soldering process. This preliminary action establishes accurate axial positions that remain stable during wave soldering or SMD attachment, preventing tolerance accumulation from affecting the final positioning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3714514B1Plug-type connector
Publication Date: 2022.12.07 PHOENIX CONTACT GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3714514B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3714514B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3714514B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

Plug-type connector (1) for producing an external connection to a printed circuit board (16), having at least two angled, pin-shaped contacts (3) with a first limb (8) for contacting a mating plug-type connector and with a second limb (9) for contacting the printed circuit board (16), an insulating body (2) for receiving the contacts (3) at least in the region of the first limb (8), and a contact carrier (4) for receiving the contacts (3) at their second limb (9), wherein the contacts (3), at the end of the second limb (9), have a stop (10) acting in an axial direction, and the contact carrier (4) for the second limbs (9) has through-openings (11) with a counter-stop (12) and is movable in the axial direction of the second limbs (9) into a housing (5) and can be fixed in the latter. In this way, all of the contacts are on one plane with respect to the printed circuit board and permit use in SMD or THR processes.