Quick Exchange Docking Connector for PCB Removal

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing docking connectors hinder the efficient removal and replacement of printed circuit boards (PCBs) due to structural limitations that prevent direct extraction through the face of the test adapter, necessitating complex disassembly procedures.

Innovation Solution

A quick exchange docking connector design featuring a removable bottom bar and a top bar with elongated portions and perpendicular sides, allowing modules to be easily mounted and dismounted, enabling direct sliding removal of PCBs from the test adapter.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a traditional docking connector with a complete frame structure is used, then structural stability and module holding capability are improved, but PCB removal and replacement efficiency deteriorates due to complex disassembly procedures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidPCB removal and replacement efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The docking connector frame is segmented into a removable bottom bar and a stationary top bar with side bars. This segmentation allows the bottom bar to be detached independently, enabling direct PCB removal through the test adapter face without requiring complete disassembly of the entire frame structure, thus resolving the contradiction between structural stability and PCB replacement efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bottom bar is extracted as a separate removable component from the complete frame structure. This extraction enables the PCBs to be accessed and removed directly through the test adapter face when the bottom bar is detached, eliminating the need to disassemble the entire frame and significantly improving PCB replacement efficiency while maintaining the stability of the top bar and side bars

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If a docking connector with a complete enclosed frame is used, then module security and structural integrity are improved, but ease of operation for PCB exchange deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodule securityVSAvoidease of PCB exchange
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is divided into a removable bottom bar and a stationary top bar with side bars. This segmentation maintains the structural integrity and security of the top bar and side bars for module holding, while allowing the bottom bar to be easily detached for PCB exchange, thus resolving the contradiction between module security and ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bottom bar is designed with dynamic removability, allowing it to be detached and reattached as needed. This dynamic design enables easy PCB exchange when the bottom bar is removed, while the stationary top bar and side bars maintain static structural integrity and module security, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3784010B1Quick exchange docking connector
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 VIRGINIA PANEL
  • EP3784010B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1D
  • EP3784010B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3784010B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A docking connector having a first frame portion comprising a first elongated bar and a side extending perpendicular from each end of the first portion, wherein the first elongated bar has a plurality of spaced grooves perpendicular to the first bar, each groove being configured to receive an end of a module spaced along its length and a second frame portion comprising a second elongated bar, the second having a groove along its length for receiving a plurality of modules. The second frame portion is removably secured to the first frame portion with a screw at each end to form a frame having two pairs of opposing sides with the spaced grooves on the first bar and the groove on the second elongated bar facing an interior of the frame.