Spring Arm PCB Connector Tension for Automation Field Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing field devices in automation technology face unreliable electrical connections due to play in plug and mating connectors caused by manufacturing tolerances, leading to potential disconnection of circuit boards.
Innovation Solution
The field device design incorporates spring arm-like segments on circuit boards that generate tension along the housing axis, ensuring secure electrical contact through plug and mating connections, with a circuit board holder providing mechanical fixation and a latching mechanism to prevent slipping while allowing axial movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If multiple printed circuit boards are connected via plug-in and mating connectors, then the field device can be assembled from separate components, but the electrical connections become unreliable due to play and potential disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical parameter of the connector by introducing spring arm-like segments that actively generate contact pressure. This transforms the passive plug-in connection into an active spring-loaded connection, where the spring arms continuously press against the mating connector to eliminate play and prevent disconnection, thereby resolving the contradiction between modular assembly and connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic elements (spring arms) into the static connector design. The spring arms can deflect and generate force dynamically, adapting to manufacturing tolerances and maintaining reliable electrical contact throughout the operational life of the device, thus solving the reliability issue while preserving modular assembly capability
2Reliability
If printed circuit boards are rigidly fixed to eliminate connection play, then electrical connection reliability improves, but the ability to compensate for manufacturing tolerances decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring arm-like segments provide dynamic adaptability by allowing controlled deflection and movement. This enables the connector to automatically adjust to manufacturing tolerances in the printed circuit boards while maintaining reliable electrical contact, thus simultaneously achieving both reliability and tolerance compensation
Solution Approach 2:
The spring arms change the contact pressure parameter dynamically, allowing the connection to adapt to varying gap distances caused by manufacturing tolerances. The spring force automatically increases or decreases to maintain optimal contact, resolving the contradiction between rigid fixation and tolerance compensation
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
This design ensures permanent and reliable electrical connections between circuit boards, compensating for manufacturing-related tolerances and preventing disconnection, thus enhancing the stability and reliability of field device electronics.
Implementation Method 1
the spring arm-like segments generate a tension along the longitudinal axis of the field device housing, so that the first plug-in and mating plug-in connection arranged on the first printed circuit board edge of the at least first printed circuit board is pressed into one another
Data Source
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AI summary
field device for automation technology (10), comprising: - a field device housing (12); - a field device electronics (15) with at least one first printed circuit board (15.1) and a second printed circuit board (15.2), wherein the first and the second printed circuit board (15.1, 15.2) are electrically connected to each other at a first printed circuit board edge (15.11) of the at least first printed circuit board (15.1) via a first plug-in and mating connection (15.4), - wherein at least the first printed circuit board (15.1) has an outer contour at the second printed circuit board edge (15.12) such that the first printed circuit board has two spring-arm-like segments (15.15) laterally, which are formed by corresponding shapings of the outer contour on the printed circuit board edges (15.13, 15.14) of the first printed circuit board facing a side wall of the field device housing, wherein the at least first printed circuit board (15.1) is furthermore inserted into the field device housing (12) such that the spring-arm-like segments (15.15) generate a voltage along the longitudinal axis (70) of the field device housing, so that the first plug and mating connection (15.5) arranged on the first circuit board edge (15.11) of the at least first circuit board (15.1) is pressed into each other.