Sliding Terminal Connection Structure for Panel-to-PCB Tolerance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing terminal connection methods in electrical devices face challenges with large tolerance ranges between the mounting panel and the PCB, leading to pulling forces on solder joints due to mismatched spacings, causing inconvenience in assembly and potential connection failures.
Innovation Solution
A terminal connection structure utilizing an insulating housing with a through terminal channel, a primary terminal structure featuring elastic coupling members such as crown springs for slidable electrical connections, and a soldering terminal that can accommodate different spacings between the panel and the PCB, ensuring reliable connections without transmitting pulling forces to the solder joints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lead-out terminals are soldered to the PCB and connected to connectors on the mounting panel, then electrical connection is established, but pulling force is transmitted to the solder joint when spacing tolerance is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an elastic coupling member as an intermediary element between the lead-out terminal and the connector. This elastic coupling member absorbs the spacing tolerance through its elastic deformation, preventing the transmission of pulling forces to the solder joint while maintaining electrical connection. The intermediary element effectively decouples the rigid connection that would otherwise stress the solder joint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical parameter of the connection from rigid to elastic by incorporating an elastic coupling member. This allows the connection to accommodate spacing variations through elastic deformation, transforming the connection characteristics to prevent force transmission to the solder joint while maintaining electrical continuity.
2Reliability
If rigid connection is used between PCB and mounting panel, then electrical connection is stable, but it cannot accommodate spacing tolerance variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the rigid static connection into a dynamic elastic connection by incorporating an elastic coupling member. This allows the connection to adapt dynamically to spacing variations through elastic deformation, maintaining both stability and adaptability. The elastic coupling member enables the system to accommodate different spacing conditions while preserving connection reliability.
3Strength
If elastic coupling member is introduced to accommodate spacing tolerance, then solder joint is protected from pulling force, but connection structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the elastic coupling member within the existing connector structure, nesting it inside the connector housing. This nesting approach allows the elastic coupling member to be incorporated without significantly increasing external dimensions or structural complexity. The elastic coupling member is contained within the connector assembly, maintaining a compact design while providing the necessary protective function.
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 structure enables flexible and reliable electrical connections between the mounting panel and the PCB, accommodating varying spacings and preventing damage to solder joints, thus enhancing assembly convenience and connection reliability.
Implementation Method 1
one end of the primary terminal structure comprises a first elastic coupling member (5) for establishing a slidable electrical connection with the soldering terminal
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a terminal connection structure, comprising: an insulating housing to be mounted to a panel, the insulating housing having a through terminal channel; a primary terminal structure disposed in the terminal channel, the primary terminal structure is to establish an electrical connection running through the terminal channel; and a soldering terminal, one end of the soldering terminal is to be soldered to a circuit board spaced apart from the panel, and the other end of the soldering terminal is to be plugged into the primary terminal structure, wherein one end of the primary terminal structure comprises a first elastic coupling member for establishing a slidable electrical connection with the soldering terminal.