Snap-Locking PCB Terminals Without Soldering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for establishing electrical connections between printed circuit board assemblies, such as soldering, face challenges in precision, reliability, and safety.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical snap locking apparatus using male and female terminals with spring features and cut slots that engage to form a reliable and strong connection, eliminating the need for soldering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If soldering is used to establish electrical connections, then electrical conductivity is achieved, but health and safety issues arise and manufacturing precision is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal/chemical soldering process with a purely mechanical snap-locking system. The male terminal with spring features engages with the female terminal having cut slots, creating a secure mechanical connection that eliminates exposure to soldering hazards while maintaining connection reliability through the spring-loaded locking mechanism
2Object-affected harmful factors
If mechanical snap locking is implemented, then health and safety are improved, but connection strength and durability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The spring features in the male terminal provide a dynamic, elastic connection mechanism. The springs can deform and recover, allowing the connection to absorb mechanical stresses and maintain strength while remaining safe. The spring-loaded design creates a self-adjusting connection that maintains optimal contact force
Solution Approach 2:
The connection is divided into multiple spring features (typically three or more) distributed around the terminal circumference. This segmentation distributes the mechanical load across multiple contact points, enhancing overall connection strength while maintaining the safety benefits of the mechanical locking approach
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional connection methods are used, then manufacturing processes are established, but manufacturing precision and reliability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The snap-locking mechanism is designed to be self-aligning and self-locating. The spring features automatically engage with the cut slots without requiring precise manual alignment or complex positioning fixtures, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision while keeping the manufacturing process simple and straightforward
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 mechanical snap locking apparatus provides a secure, durable, and safer connection between printed circuit boards, reducing health and safety issues while maintaining electrical conductivity.
Implementation Method 1
the male terminal includes a set of spring features. In some embodiments, the set of spring features are configured to lock with the set of cut slots when the male terminal and the female terminal are engaged
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a male terminal. The apparatus includes a female terminal. The female terminal includes a set of cut slots. The male terminal includes a set of spring features. The set of spring features are configured to lock with the set of cut slots when the male terminal and the female terminal are engaged.