Press-Fit Connector Pin Layout for Mixed Mating and PCB Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for terminating electrical connectors to circuit boards are time-consuming and expensive, requiring precise positioning and soldering, and often necessitate different contact patterns for mating and mounting interfaces.
Innovation Solution
A press-fit circuit board connector with a housing featuring compliant mating and mounting pins, where the mating pins are arranged in a first pattern for interconnectivity and the mounting pins in a second pattern for press-fit connection to the circuit board, allowing for efficient and cost-effective electrical connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If soldering process is used to terminate electrical connectors to circuit boards, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but mounting time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal soldering process with a mechanical press-fit system. The contact pins are designed with tapered portions that are pressed into corresponding recesses in the circuit board, creating a secure mechanical and electrical connection without requiring soldering. This substitution eliminates the time-consuming soldering step while maintaining connection reliability through precise mechanical interference fit.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact pins incorporate self-aligning tapered portions that automatically guide the connector into proper positioning during the press-fit mounting process. The tapered geometry provides self-centering action, allowing the connector to self-align with the circuit board holes without requiring complex external positioning fixtures or procedures.
2Reliability
If soldering process is used to terminate electrical connectors to circuit boards, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal soldering process with a mechanical press-fit system. The contact pins are designed with tapered portions that are pressed into corresponding recesses in the circuit board, creating a secure mechanical and electrical connection without requiring soldering. This substitution eliminates the time-consuming soldering step while maintaining connection reliability through precise mechanical interference fit.
3Adaptability or versatility
If contact pattern on circuit board interface differs from mating interface pattern, then routing requirements are met, but connector design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the connector into two distinct interfaces: a mating interface with a first contact pattern for connecting to the mating connector, and a circuit board interface with a second contact pattern for connecting to the circuit board. The housing contains separate contact holders for each interface, allowing independent optimization of each pattern without increasing overall design complexity. This segmentation enables the connector to adapt to different routing requirements while maintaining simple, modular construction.
Data Source
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AI summary
A press-fit circuit board connector (100) is provided including a housing (104) having a mating end (106) and a mounting end (108). The housing (104) has a contact holder (110) including a plurality of contact channels (114). Contacts (112) are received in corresponding contact channels (114). Each contact (112) has a mating pin (116) and a mounting pin (118) opposite the mating pin (116). The mating pin (116) is compliant and configured for compliant mating with a corresponding socket contact of a mating connector. The mounting pin (118) is compliant and configured for press-fit mechanical and electrical connection to a circuit board (102). The mating pins (116) of the contacts (112) are arranged at the mating end (106) to define a pin mating interface (120) having a first pattern and the mounting pins (118) of the contacts (112) are arranged at the mounting end (108) to define a pin mounting interface (122) having a second pattern different than the first pattern.