Resilient Holder for Tool-Free PCB Electrical Component Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional connections for electrical components, such as light bulbs, often require external fasteners or adapters for both physical and electrical connections, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A resilient holder is electrically engaged with a printed circuit board, featuring opposing resilient arms that secure the electrical component without additional fasteners, allowing for both physical and electrical connection through soldered connections, enabling easy installation and removal without external tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If external fasteners or adapters are used for connecting electrical components, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to additional components and installation steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidconnection structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the mechanical holding function and electrical connection function into a single integrated resilient holder structure. The resilient arms simultaneously provide mechanical retention and electrical contact, eliminating the need for separate fasteners and adapters, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining connection reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient holder serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support, electrical connection, and retention all through one component. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate components (fasteners, adapters, connectors), simplifying the overall connection structure while ensuring reliable electrical and mechanical bonding

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If external fasteners or adapters are used for connecting electrical components, then the connection is secure, but the ease of operation worsens due to requiring additional tools and installation steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The resilient holder is designed to be self-retaining through its elastic arms that automatically grip the electrical component when inserted. The component secures itself within the holder structure without requiring external fasteners or tools, making installation simple while maintaining secure connection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

By merging the fastening function and electrical connection into one integrated component, the installation process is simplified to a single insertion action. The resilient arms automatically engage with the component, eliminating the need for separate fastening steps and tools, thus improving ease of operation while ensuring secure connection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If conventional connection methods with external fasteners are used, then the electrical connection is established, but the productivity worsens due to time-consuming installation and maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation and maintenance efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The resilient holder enables tool-free installation and removal of electrical components. The component is simply inserted and automatically retained by the resilient arms, and can be equally easily removed by releasing the arms. This self-service mechanism dramatically improves productivity for both installation and maintenance operations while maintaining reliable electrical connection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient arms provide dynamic retention that allows for quick insertion and removal of components. The elastic nature of the arms enables them to flex during installation and automatically lock the component in place, and can be easily released for removal. This dynamic mechanism speeds up both installation and maintenance operations compared to static fastener systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 provides a secure, efficient, and tool-free method for connecting electrical components to a printed circuit board, enhancing installation and serviceability while eliminating the need for mechanical fasteners, ensuring reliable electrical contact and easy maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

The opposing resilient arms operate to selectively expand the holding portion from a rest position to a maintenance position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

allowing for both physical and electrical connection through soldered connections

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSoldering: Soldering

Data Source

PatentUS11635194B2Fastenerless holder for connecting an electrical component to a printed circuit board
Publication Date: 2023.04.25 GHSP INC
  • US11635194B2 patent drawing
  • US11635194B2 patent drawing
  • US11635194B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An electrical element holder includes a printed circuit board having a receiver. A resilient holder is electrically engaged with the receiver. The resilient holder includes a holding portion that is defined within an outward surface of the resilient holder and between opposing resilient arms. An electrical element is secured within the holding portion between the opposing resilient arms.