Rotating Connecting Sleeve for Universal PCB Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic devices require different printed circuit boards and housing shells for various connection inserts, limiting their versatility and increasing production costs due to the need for specific configurations to accommodate different types of connection inserts.

Innovation Solution

The connecting sleeve is designed to be positioned in different rotational positions within the housing, allowing the cylindrical cavity to occupy various positions relative to the printed circuit board, enabling the use of identical components for multiple types of connection inserts without the need for different circuit boards or housing parts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If different printed circuit boards are used for different connection inserts, then the electrical connections can be properly positioned, but the device complexity and production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection positioningVSAvoidprinted circuit board variety
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single printed circuit board that can accommodate multiple types of connection inserts through the rotating connection sleeve mechanism. The connection sleeve can be rotated to different angular positions, allowing the same printed circuit board to interface with connection inserts having different electrical connection arrangements, thereby eliminating the need for multiple specialized circuit boards

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If different housing shells are used for different connection inserts, then the connecting sleeve can be held in different positions, but the manufacturing complexity and inventory requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection insert compatibilityVSAvoidhousing shell variety
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single housing shell containing a rotating connection sleeve that can accommodate multiple types of connection inserts. The connection sleeve rotates within the housing to position the cylindrical cavity appropriately, allowing one housing shell to serve multiple connection insert types without requiring different housing variants

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

3Device complexity

If the connecting sleeve is fixed in one position, then the structure is simple, but the device cannot accommodate different types of connection inserts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnecting sleeve structureVSAvoidconnection insert type support
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the connection sleeve rotatable within the housing rather than fixed. This rotational capability allows the same connection sleeve structure to accommodate different types of connection inserts by rotating to appropriate angular positions, providing adaptability without significantly increasing structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The rotating connection sleeve serves multiple functions: it holds the connection insert, positions the cylindrical cavity relative to the printed circuit board, and enables accommodation of different connection insert types through rotation, thereby achieving versatility with a single component

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

Data Source

PatentEP2802040B1Electronic device
Publication Date: 2016.04.06 PEPPERL & FUCHS GMBH
  • EP2802040B1 patent drawingFigure 1~6
  • EP2802040B1 patent drawingFigure 7
  • EP2802040B1 patent drawingFigure 8~9

AI summary

The invention relates to an electronic device, in particular an electronic sensor, with a housing in which at least one printed circuit board is arranged, with a connecting sleeve which is positioned in a receptacle formed in the housing, and with a connecting insert which is received in a cylindrical cavity formed in the connecting sleeve, wherein the connecting insert has electrical connections on one side of the device which are connected to contacts of the printed circuit board, and wherein the connecting insert has plugs and/or sockets for connecting a connecting means on a connection side opposite the side of the device.According to the invention, it is provided that the connecting sleeve can be positioned in different rotational positions in the receptacle and that a contact area of ​​the outside of the connecting sleeve, which engages with the receptacle of the housing in an assembled state, is shaped such that the position of the cylindrical cavity relative to the circuit board is different for the different rotational positions.