Pressing-Block Connector Module for Dense Wire-to-Board Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wire-to-board interconnection technologies face challenges in miniaturization and efficient installation due to the volume occupied by male and female connectors, and the balance between elastic abutting arm length and space reduction, as well as the positioning of connectors on circuit boards.
Innovation Solution
A connector module comprising a bracket with receiving grooves and protrusions, cable connectors with conductive terminals, and pressing blocks that are assembled and fixed to maintain the cable connectors in position, ensuring reliable electrical connections by pressing against conductive elements on the circuit board.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If male connector and female connector are used for interconnection, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but the volume occupied is relatively large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the female connector from the traditional male-female connector assembly. The cable connector directly contacts the circuit board through elastic abutting arms without requiring a separate female connector, thereby reducing the overall volume while maintaining reliable electrical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of the female connector into the circuit board itself through the conductive elements and receiving grooves. The cable connector with elastic abutting arms directly interfaces with the circuit board, combining what were previously separate components into an integrated solution that reduces volume.
2Reliability
If elastic abutting arm length is increased to ensure elasticity, then reliable contact is achieved, but the occupied space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the elasticity function at the tip of the abutting arm where it contacts the conductive element, while the root portion remains rigid for structural support and positioning. This localized elasticity allows sufficient contact compliance without requiring the entire arm to be long and flexible, thus reducing overall space occupation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by designing the abutting arm with a dynamic structure that transitions from a rigid root to a flexible tip. The abutting arm can dynamically adjust its contact force through elastic deformation at the tip while maintaining positional stability through the rigid root, achieving reliable contact without excessive length.
3Volume of stationary object
If terminal density is increased to reduce space, then miniaturization is achieved, but the balance between abutting arm length and space becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes another dimension by arranging multiple cable connectors and conductive elements in a two-dimensional grid pattern on the circuit board surface. This dimensional arrangement allows high terminal density without requiring proportionally longer abutting arms, as the connectors are distributed across the surface area rather than being stacked or linearly arranged, simplifying the design balance.
4Manufacturing precision
If pressing block is added to maintain cable connector position, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through the self-positioning mechanism where the pressing block's protrusion automatically engages with the receiving groove during assembly. This self-aligning feature provides accurate positioning without requiring additional positioning components or complex adjustment mechanisms, achieving high manufacturing precision while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector module includes a bracket, at least one cable connector and at least one pressing block. The bracket includes at least one receiving groove and a protrusion protruding into the receiving groove. The cable connector includes a body, a number of conductive terminals and a number of cables. The conductive terminals are configured to be pressed against a number of conductive elements of a circuit board. The pressing block defines at least one notch on one side thereof. The pressing block is assembled and fixed to the bracket. The pressing block is pressed against the body so as to maintain the body in the receiving groove. The protrusion is at least partially accommodated in the notch so as to position the pressing block after being assembled. A method of assembling the connector module is also disclosed.