Resilient PCB Connecting Element for RF Tolerance Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical connections for printed circuit boards, especially in radiofrequency technology, are complex, costly, and have limited tolerance compensation, leading to high production outlay and unsuitable electrical and mechanical properties for long-term robust connections.
Innovation Solution
A connecting element with a carrier body and separate resilient contact elements that can be positioned between two electrical devices for direct electrical and mechanical connection, allowing for tolerance compensation and reduced production complexity, featuring a multiplicity of identical contact elements that can be individually compressed to compensate for distance and angle offsets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional multipiece printed circuit board connections are used, then electrical connection between devices is achieved, but production outlay and costs increase due to multiple individual parts needing to be manufactured and assembled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate contact elements into a single integrated connecting element that can be directly inserted between printed circuit boards. This merging eliminates the need for multiple individual parts and complex assembly processes, reducing production outlay while maintaining reliable electrical connections through the unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical connection, mechanical support, and tolerance compensation in a single component. This multi-functionality reduces the overall complexity of the connection system while ensuring reliable electrical transmission between devices.
2Manufacturing precision
If high manufacturing precision is required for radiofrequency technology, then electrical transmission properties are maintained, but production becomes more difficult and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the elastic deformation capability of the connecting element to compensate for manufacturing tolerances. By changing the physical state from rigid to elastic, the system can accommodate variations in positioning and alignment without requiring extremely tight manufacturing precision, thereby maintaining radiofrequency transmission properties while simplifying production.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic properties of the connecting element provide beforehand cushioning for tolerance variations. The material's inherent elasticity anticipates and compensates for potential manufacturing deviations, ensuring that electrical transmission properties are maintained even when manufacturing precision varies within acceptable ranges.
3Reliability
If multiple individual component parts are used, then electrical connection is achieved, but total height of the arrangement increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple contact elements into a single integrated connecting element, the patent reduces the overall height of the connection arrangement. The unified structure eliminates the need for stacked or spaced-apart components, achieving compact vertical integration while maintaining all necessary electrical connections.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a one-piece resilient block is used, then tolerance compensation is improved, but electrical properties and mechanical connectability become disadvantageous for radiofrequency technology
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connecting element into multiple electrically isolated contact regions within a single elastic body. This segmentation allows each contact region to maintain proper electrical properties for radiofrequency transmission while the overall structure provides tolerance compensation through elastic deformation, resolving the conflict between adaptability and electrical reliability.
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
The solution enables a low-height, cost-effective electrical connection with enhanced tolerance compensation and robustness suitable for radiofrequency technology, reducing production complexity and maintaining high electrical transmission properties.
Implementation Method 1
each contact element has a first contact region for the electrical contacting of the first electrical device and a second contact region for the electrical contacting of the second electrical device, the first contact region and the second contact region being electrically connected to one another
Data Source
AI summary
Connecting element for the electrical connection of a first electrical device to a second electrical device, having a carrier body with a first contact side and an opposite second contact side. The connecting element also has a multiplicity of separate electrical contact elements, which respectively have a first contact region for the electrical contacting of the first electrical device and a second contact region for the electrical contacting of the second electrical device, the first contact region and the second contact region being electrically connected to one another and the contact elements respectively being connected to the separate carrier body, such that the first contact region can be electrically contacted from the first contact side and the second contact region can be electrically contacted from the second contact side. The contact elements are respectively configured resiliently at least in sections along a contacting direction (K) running from the first contact region to the second contact region, to compensate for a tolerance-related distance offset between the two electrical devices.