Spring-Locked PCB Terminals for Solder-Free Board Connection
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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, strong connection without soldering, allowing for secure attachment of printed circuit boards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If soldering is used to establish electrical connections, then electrical connection reliability is improved, but health and safety issues worsen due to exposure to soldering materials and processes
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 materials and processes while maintaining connection reliability through the spring-loaded locking mechanism
2Object-affected harmful factors
If mechanical snap locking is used instead of soldering, then health and safety issues are reduced, but connection strength may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic spring features that can deflect and apply continuous locking force. The spring features are designed to flex during engagement and maintain constant pressure on the cut slots, ensuring a strong, reliable mechanical connection that compensates for any movement or thermal expansion while eliminating soldering hazards
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional soldering methods are used, then electrical connection is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements worsen due to solder joint quality control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a self-aligning and self-locking mechanism where the spring features automatically engage with the cut slots upon insertion. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for precise solder joint placement and quality control, as the mechanical locking features guide and secure the connection automatically, improving both ease of manufacture and precision consistency
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 snap locking mechanism provides a reliable, strong, and safe electrical connection between printed circuit boards, reducing health and safety issues associated with soldering while maintaining ease of use and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
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
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 2A~2B
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.