Snap-Fastener PCB Connection for Low-Profile Board Stacking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing printed circuit board connectors have a significant overall height, making mechanical and electrical connections cumbersome and height-intensive.

Innovation Solution

A push button connecting element with a depression (dish) and a corresponding projection (head) is used for mechanical and electrical connections between printed circuit boards, allowing for a robust, detachable, and cost-effective connection while minimizing overall height.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional printed circuit board connectors are used, then mechanical and electrical connection is achieved, but the overall height becomes considerable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical and electrical connectionVSAvoidoverall height

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into two separate components: a male connector element integrated into one printed circuit board and a female connector element integrated into another printed circuit board. This segmentation allows each component to be thin and low-profile, eliminating the need for a single tall connector structure while maintaining reliable mechanical and electrical connection between boards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connector elements are merged with the printed circuit boards themselves during the manufacturing process, integrating the connection functionality directly into the board structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate, height-consuming connector housings and mounting mechanisms, achieving both connection reliability and minimal overall height.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Length of stationary object

If push button connecting elements are used, then overall height is reduced, but connection robustness must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoverall heightVSAvoidconnection robustness

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The connector elements feature asymmetric geometries with complementary male and female shapes that provide inherent mechanical interlocking. The asymmetric design ensures proper alignment and insertion while maintaining strong mechanical engagement, achieving robust connections without requiring tall connector structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The connector elements incorporate curved or rounded features that facilitate insertion and provide mechanical engagement. The curved geometries allow for tolerant alignment during assembly while maintaining strong connection strength, enabling robust connections in a low-profile configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentUS20240388019A1Printed circuit board unit and printed circuit board connection element

Publication Date: 2024.11.21 HARTING ELECTRIC GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

A printed circuit board unit includes includes at least one first and second printed circuit board and also a first connection element for mechanical and/or electrical connection between said at least one first and second printed circuit board. The connection element is in the form of a snap fastener, thereby creating a simple, robust and releasable connection between the two printed circuit boards.