Linearly Moveable Sliding Contact System for PCB Interconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cabling methods for connecting conductor tracks on printed circuit boards are complex, time-consuming, costly, and require significant space due to the need for manual installation and frequent changes, making them inefficient for large-scale applications like automated control centers.
Innovation Solution
A linearly movable sliding contact system with a transport device, where the sliding contact element is produced as a one-piece injection-molded polymer with a base body and internal thread, and an elongated spindle with external thread, allowing for simple assembly and quick reconfiguration by rotating the spindle to move the contact element linearly between circuit cards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional cabling methods are used to connect conductor tracks on printed circuit boards, then electrical connections can be established, but the system becomes complex, time-consuming to install, costly, and requires significant space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cabling operations with an automated sliding contact system. The sliding contact element with conductor tracks substitutes traditional hand-crimped cable connections, enabling automated electrical connections between circuit boards without manual intervention for each connection point.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding contact element is divided into modular components: a base body with first conductor tracks, a sliding contact with second conductor tracks, and a transport device. This segmentation allows independent manufacturing of each component and simplified assembly, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual cabling is performed for each connection position, then electrical connections can be changed and replaced, but installation time and labor costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding contact element introduces dynamic reconfigurability through the sliding contact mechanism. The sliding contact can move along the base body to establish different electrical connections between conductor tracks, enabling rapid reconfiguration of circuit paths without physical re-cabling. The transport device further enables dynamic positioning of the entire sliding contact element between different circuit boards.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional cabling with connectors and cables is used for every possible connection position, then all connection positions can be accommodated, but the space required in the control cabinet increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding contact element employs a nested structure where the sliding contact with second conductor tracks is received within the base body containing first conductor tracks. The transport device then nests the entire sliding contact element between circuit boards. This nested arrangement consolidates multiple connection capabilities into a compact unit, dramatically reducing the space required compared to traditional distributed connectors and cables.
4Productivity
If a large number of contact elements are assembled manually in automated control centers, then electrical connections can be established, but assembly complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding contact element is pre-assembled as a complete functional unit with the base body, sliding contact, and transport device configured together before installation. The conductor tracks are pre-positioned and the mechanical components are pre-integrated, allowing the entire assembly to be installed as one unit rather than assembling multiple discrete components on-site, thereby increasing assembly speed while reducing overall complexity.
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 enables rapid, cost-effective assembly and reconfiguration of electrical connections between circuit cards, reducing installation time and space requirements while maintaining reliable electrical contact, thus addressing the inefficiencies of traditional cabling methods.
Implementation Method 1
the base body being produced as a one-piece injection-molded part from a polymer
Implementation Method 2
the spindle being elongated and at least regionally having an external thread, and the base body having an internal thread into which the external thread of the spindle can be screwed
Implementation Method 3
The sliding contact element touches the two circuit cards between which it is arranged with an electrical contact. This creates an electrical connection between the conductor track on one circuit card and the conductor track on the other circuit card.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a linearly moveable sliding contact element (1) having a transport device (2). Linearly moveable sliding contact elements (1) of this type having a transport device (2) are required to electrically contact conductor paths of circuit boards with one another, said circuit boards being oriented in parallel with one another and arranged above one another. In addition, the sliding contact element (1) is arranged on a spindle (24) of the transport device (2) having an outer thread (25). Via a rotation of the transport device (2), the sliding contact element (1) can be moved in a linear manner along the spindle (24) by means of the outer thread (25). A first bearing (21) and a second bearing (22) are provided at the ends of the spindle (24). The bearings (21, 22) permit a mounting of the transport device between two circuit boards arranged in parallel with one another.