Spring Pin Assembly for Vehicle Display Connection Reliability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicular display assemblies face challenges in maintaining consistent and robust electrical connections between printed circuit boards (PCBs) and electro-optic or electrochromic elements, particularly due to limited access for connections and potential creep in solder joints caused by pressure from spring assemblies.
Innovation Solution
A spring pin assembly with a connecting feature that engages a post aperture on the PCB, applying a compressive force to ensure consistent conductive communication with electrochromic elements, while minimizing creep in solder connections through a robust mechanical and electrical engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spring assemblies apply pressure to maintain electrical connection, then connection reliability is improved, but solder joint creep increases due to pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the spring assembly from direct contact with the solder joint area. The spring is contained within an insulating body that positions it away from the PCB mounting surface, allowing the spring to apply pressure to the electro-optic element without transmitting that pressure to the solder joints through the PCB.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating body acts as an intermediary between the spring assembly and the PCB. It provides a mounting surface for the spring while preventing the spring's pressure from being transmitted to the PCB and solder joints, thus mediating the force application to achieve reliable connection without causing creep.
2Reliability
If spring assemblies are used to ensure consistent conductive communication, then electrical connection stability is improved, but access for connections is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connection function into two separate interfaces: one for the spring assembly (providing pressure and electrical connection) and another for signal/access connections (providing ease of access). This segmentation allows both requirements to be satisfied simultaneously by distributing different functions to different locations.
3Reliability
If robust mechanical engagement is used to minimize creep, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated insulating body component: it provides mechanical support for the spring assembly, electrical insulation, a mounting surface for the electro-optic element, and protection for internal components. This consolidation achieves robust mechanical engagement without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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 spring pin assembly provides a reliable and consistent electrical connection between PCBs and electrochromic elements, maintaining stability and reducing the risk of connection failure due to pressure-induced creep, thereby ensuring robust communication and control signals.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member contained therein to spring-bias the contact pin
Implementation Method 2
The spring pin assembly provides a reliable and consistent electrical connection... maintaining stability
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The disclosure provides for a vehicular display assembly. The assembly comprises a first PCB disposed on a first side of a display module, a second PCB comprising a surface arranged substantially perpendicular to the first PCB, and an electro-optic device disposed on a second side of the display module. The assembly further comprises a conductive connector device in connection with the surface of the second PCB. The conductive connector device comprises a spring assembly comprising a spring and a conductive pin. The conductive connector device further comprises a body forming an internal passage configured to at least partially house the spring assembly. The conductive pin is configured to communicatively connect the second PCB to the electro-optic device.