PCB Solder Joint Verification Using Spring-Loaded Contacts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional soldering training kits lack means to control soldered connections, making them unsuitable for untrained users, particularly children, and fail to teach how electronic components affect signal generation, while existing inspection solutions are too complex for untrained users.

Innovation Solution

A device for controlling soldered connections on a printed circuit board with spring-loaded contacts, a processor, and memory to check for defects, providing feedback and instructions for correction, and optionally connecting to a server for result transmission and analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional soldering training kits are used, then basic soldering practice is possible, but control means for checking soldered connections are missing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoldered connection qualityVSAvoiduser ability to check connections

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device enables untrained users to independently check and verify soldered connections through automated testing. The system self-evaluates the quality of soldered joints by measuring electrical parameters and providing immediate feedback, eliminating the need for expert inspection while ensuring reliable soldering results.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The device provides immediate feedback to users about the quality of their soldered connections through visual indicators (LED lights) that show pass/fail results. This feedback mechanism guides users to understand whether their soldering is correct and what adjustments are needed, transforming an otherwise invisible quality assessment into actionable information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If automated control means are added to training kits, then soldered connection quality improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoldered connection qualityVSAvoidkit structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device performs multiple functions within a single integrated unit: it tests electrical continuity, measures resistance values, verifies component placement, and provides instructional feedback. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate instruments into one device, maintaining simplicity while ensuring comprehensive quality control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the testing circuitry, power supply, display indicators, and instructional systems into a single integrated device that couples to the training kit. This merging of components creates a compact, user-friendly system that delivers professional-grade soldering verification without the complexity of multiple separate equipment pieces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If professional inspection methods are used, then detection precision improves, but ease of operation for untrained users deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedefect detection accuracyVSAvoiduser friendliness

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device acts as an intermediary between the complex measurement processes and the untrained user. It performs sophisticated electrical measurements and analyses internally, then translates the results into simple visual indicators and instructional messages that children and beginners can easily understand, bridging the gap between professional measurement capabilities and novice user comprehension.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual visual inspection and physical probing methods with automated electrical measurements and digital analysis. Instead of requiring users to manually examine solder joints with magnifiers or use complex multimeters, the device automatically performs precise electrical characterizations and provides results through intuitive displays, substituting mechanical inspection with智能化 electronic assessment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20260110728A1Device for controlling soldered joints on a board

Publication Date: 2026.04.23 SKVORTSOVA TATIANA VIKTOROVNA

AI summary

The technical solution relates to the field of control of printed circuit (printed circuit boards) assembly and can be used to control the correctness of the soldered connection on the board, as well as in training an untrained user in soldering. There is a need to provide easy-to-learn soldering kits and for studying soldered connections using various electronic components. A device for controlling the soldered connection on the board is proposed. The technical result achieved with the claimed technical solution, in addition to the implementation of the product and/or the method of its use, is a simplification of the design and ensuring ergonomics and ease of use for an untrained user, such as, for example, but not limited to, a child.