Sliding Element for PCB Contact via Threaded Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for connecting printed circuit boards require extensive manual cabling, which is costly, time-consuming, and space-intensive, and are not easily adaptable for changing electrical connections.
Innovation Solution
A sliding element with a non-conductive base body and spring-elastic contact elements that can move between printed circuit boards to establish electrical connections, featuring a threaded bushing for secure attachment and minimal wear, allowing for easy reconfiguration and reduced maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional wiring with plug connectors and cables is used, then electrical connections can be established, but the space requirement becomes very large and manual labor is required for each change
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular sliding elements that can be independently positioned and configured. Each sliding element contains multiple contact points that can be selectively engaged, allowing the system to be reconfigured by moving individual modules rather than rewiring entire connections. This segmentation enables compact arrangement while maintaining reconfigurability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding elements are designed to be movable along guide rails or within designated paths, transforming the static wiring structure into a dynamic system. This allows electrical connections to be reconfigured by simply sliding components to new positions, eliminating the need for manual wire removal and installation while reducing the space required for connection points.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual cabling is performed for each connection change, then electrical connections can be updated, but the process becomes very time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding elements enable dynamic reconfiguration of electrical connections through simple linear motion along guides. This transforms the time-consuming manual wiring process into a quick sliding operation, allowing connections to be changed by moving pre-configured contact elements to new positions rather than performing complete rewiring procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple contact points and connection paths are pre-configured within the sliding elements during manufacturing. When reconfiguration is needed, the system simply requires moving these pre-prepared elements to appropriate positions, eliminating the need for on-site wiring decisions and manual connection-making, thus significantly reducing changeover time.
3Reliability
If fixed wiring is used in telephone line junction boxes, then stable electrical connections are achieved, but changes require complete rewiring and employee intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines the stability of fixed connections with the flexibility of movable components. Sliding elements maintain reliable electrical contact through spring-loaded or resilient contact mechanisms while being constrained to move along predefined paths, ensuring stable connections during operation but allowing easy reconfiguration when needed by simply sliding to new positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding elements act as intermediaries between the fixed structural framework and the electrical connection requirements. These intermediate components provide stable, reusable contact points that can be repositioned along guide rails, eliminating the need for complete rewiring while maintaining reliable electrical connections throughout the system.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple plug connectors are installed for every possible connection position, then all connection options are available, but the switch cabinet requires significantly more installation space
Solution Approach 1:
Each sliding element is designed as a universal component that can serve multiple connection functions. By moving a single sliding element along a guide rail, it can engage with different contact points to create various electrical connections, replacing the need for multiple dedicated plug connectors at different locations. This multi-functionality dramatically reduces the space required while maintaining all connection options.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is segmented into reusable sliding elements that traverse along shared guide structures. Instead of installing separate connectors for each possible connection, the system uses segmented, movable elements that can be positioned to create any required connection, reducing the overall footprint of the switch cabinet while preserving full connection versatility.
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
Enables cost-effective, efficient, and space-saving electrical connections between printed circuit boards, reducing the need for manual labor and allowing for remote operation and maintenance, while maintaining high reliability and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
spring-elastic contact elements
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a sliding element (1) for electrically contacting conductor paths on two facing printed circuit boards (10). The sliding element (1) consists of a main body (2), at least one electrical contact element (3), and a through-hole (6) provided for accepting a threaded stud (11). An internal thread (7) in the through-hole (6) allows the sliding element (1) to move linearly along the threaded stud (11) when the threaded stud (11) is twisted. By sliding the sliding element (1) along the threaded stud (11), different conductor paths on the printed circuit boards (10) are brought into electrical contact with one another.