Solderless PCB Connector With Cam-Actuated Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing method of coupling metal terminals with printed-circuit board holes via soldering is costly and time-consuming, necessitating a soldering-free connection solution.
Innovation Solution
A connector system with a casing and metal terminals that directly couple with printed-circuit board holes using projecting pins and a clamping mechanism, which establishes both mechanical and electrical connections without soldering, utilizing cam means and elastic deformation to ensure stable contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If soldering operation is used to couple metal terminals with printed-circuit board holes, then connection reliability is improved, but production cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal soldering process with a mechanical insertion system. The connector body is directly inserted into the printed circuit board through holes, and metal terminals are mechanically coupled with the board through recesses and engagement structures, eliminating the need for soldering while maintaining connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design incorporates self-aligning and self-fixing features where the body automatically positions itself during insertion, and the metal terminals are automatically retained through the interaction between recesses in the body and corresponding structures in the printed circuit board, enabling automated assembly without complex soldering equipment
2Productivity
If direct mechanical coupling is used to connect connector with printed-circuit board, then production time and cost are reduced, but connection stability under vibration and thermal changes may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates elastic elements and flexible retention structures that allow the connector to dynamically adapt to thermal expansion and vibration. The metal terminals and body structures can flex slightly within their elastic limits, maintaining stable contact under varying environmental conditions without requiring soldering
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses curved or tapered engagement surfaces between the connector body and printed circuit board holes, as well as between metal terminals and the body recesses. These curved surfaces provide self-l centering and gradual engagement, improving connection stability and reducing stress concentration under vibration and thermal changes
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 a fast, cost-effective, and reliable connection between the connector and printed-circuit board, maintaining contact stability under vibrations and thermal changes without the need for soldering, reducing production costs and time.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing cam means and elastic deformation to ensure stable contact
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
Described herein is a connector for a printed-circuit board (200), comprising: - a casing (2); and - a set of electrical terminals (14), which are inserted within said casing (2) and are designed to couple with respective holes (202) made in said printed-circuit board. The connector is characterized in that it comprises: - a body (4) on which said set of terminals is fixed, where said terminals have projecting portions (14b') that project out of one side of said body and are designed to couple with said holes (202) of said printed-circuit board; - a clamping element (6) mounted within said casing (2) for gripping said portions of said terminals against edges of said holes (202) of said printed-circuit board; and - cam means (64, 44, 44') provided on said body (4) and on said clamping element configured for activating said clamping element as a result of a movement of said body within said casing.