Spring-Elastic Board-Edge Connector for Single-Sided PCB Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing card edge connectors are inefficient and costly for connecting single-sided printed circuit cards with conductors, particularly in sensor technology, as they require double-equipped circuit boards and are difficult to automate due to antiquated soldering methods.
Innovation Solution
A card edge connector with a housing and contact element that encloses the circuit board resiliently, creating a spring-elastic clamp for both sides and securely contacting a conductor, allowing for tool-free connection and enhanced stability under environmental influences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional soldering methods are used to connect cables to circuit boards, then reliable electrical connections are established, but the process becomes time-consuming and difficult to automate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional soldering process (thermal/mechanical system) with a mechanical insertion system. The card edge connector with elastic contact elements allows for tool-free, snap-fit connection of cables to circuit boards, eliminating the need for soldering equipment and processes while maintaining reliable electrical connections.
2Reliability
If double-equipped circuit boards are used with existing card edge connectors, then electrical connections are established, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connection function into separate components: a simple single-sided circuit board with contact pads and a separate card edge connector assembly with elastic contact elements. This eliminates the need for expensive double-equipped circuit boards while maintaining reliable electrical connections through the modular connector design.
3Ease of manufacture
If single-sided printed circuit boards are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but existing connectors cannot accommodate them due to height constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs elastic, resilient contact elements that can dynamically adapt to the circuit board thickness. The elastic arms flex to accommodate single-sided circuit boards with their limited height, providing reliable contact without requiring the circuit board to meet minimum height specifications, thus enabling use of cost-effective single-sided boards.
4Manufacturing precision
If manual assembly procedures are used for existing connectors, then precise connections are achieved, but automation becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The card edge connector design enables self-aligning and self-locking through its elastic contact elements and cavity structure. The connector automatically establishes precise electrical connections upon insertion without requiring manual positioning or adjustment, making the assembly process suitable for automation while maintaining high connection precision.
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 solution simplifies the assembly of products by enabling quick, cost-effective, and secure electrical connections between circuit cards and conductors, suitable for various circuit card widths and conductor types, facilitating modular sensor designs and field assembly.
Implementation Method 1
The contact element (5) resiliently surrounds the printed circuit board (3) and contacts it
Implementation Method 2
the contact element (5) resiliently contacts the conductor (2) and clamps it against the housing (4)
Data Source
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AI summary
Board-edge plug connector for establishing an electrical connection between at least one electrical conductor and at least one printed circuit board, wherein the board-edge plug connector has a housing which accommodates at least one contact element and has at least one cavity which receives both the conductor and also the printed circuit board at least partially in the housing, and wherein the contact element both encloses and makes contact with the printed circuit board in a spring-elastic manner and also clamps the conductor against the housing and makes contact with it in a spring-elastic manner.