Spring Pin Terminal Assembly for Tool-Free PCB and FFC Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical connector assemblies require time-consuming and complex specialized tools or methods, such as soldering or crimping, to establish connections between spring pin terminals and conductive structures like flat flexible conductors and printed circuit boards.
Innovation Solution
The improved spring pin terminal design features a first contact portion, a second contact portion, and an intermediate portion, with retention and alignment supports to facilitate mechanical and electrical connections between a flat flexible conductor and a printed circuit board, utilizing a locking arm and retention force to secure the connections without the need for specialized tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If soldering or crimping methods are used to connect spring pin terminals to conductive structures, then reliable electrical connections are achieved, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and requires specialized tools
Solution Approach 1:
The spring pin terminal is designed with self-retention features including a retention force support portion that engages with the flat flexible conductor and a retention force and alignment support portion that engages with the printed circuit board. These self-service mechanisms eliminate the need for external specialized tools like soldering or crimping equipment, allowing the terminal to secure itself to both conductive structures through its own structural features.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines multiple functions into a single integrated spring pin terminal structure. The terminal integrates the electrical contact function, mechanical retention function, and alignment function into one component. The retention force support and retention force and alignment support portions are merged with the spring pin body, eliminating the need for separate fastening operations and specialized tools.
2Reliability
If soldering or crimping methods are used to connect spring pin terminals, then secure connections are achieved, but the process becomes complicated and requires specialized tools
Solution Approach 1:
The spring pin terminal structure includes self-retention features that automatically engage with the conductive structures during assembly. The retention force support portion engages with the flat flexible conductor and the retention force and alignment support portion engages with the printed circuit board, creating secure connections without requiring complex external tools or specialized assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring pin terminal acts as an intermediary component between the flat flexible conductor and the printed circuit board. Its intermediate portion with retention supports serves as a mediator that simplifies the connection process, transforming a complex multi-step soldering or crimping process into a single insertion and engagement operation.
3Reliability
If conventional connection methods are used, then reliable electrical connections are established, but the assembly process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The spring pin terminal is pre-configured with retention force support and retention force and alignment support portions during manufacturing. These preliminary structural features are built into the terminal before assembly, enabling it to automatically secure itself to both conductive structures upon insertion, thereby eliminating time-consuming post-assembly operations like soldering or crimping.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal's own structural features provide the retention and alignment functions needed for secure connection. The spring pin terminal serves itself by using its intermediate portion with integrated retention supports to automatically engage with both the flat flexible conductor and the printed circuit board, eliminating the need for external fastening operations and significantly reducing assembly time.
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 enables efficient and secure mechanical and electrical connections between conductive structures, simplifying the assembly process and reducing the complexity associated with traditional methods, while ensuring reliable engagement and alignment of the conductive traces.
Implementation Method 1
The intermediate portion is resiliently deformable and has a retention force support and a retention force and alignment support
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector assembly includes a housing defining an interior space and a slot and a spring pin terminal disposed within the slot of the housing. The spring pin terminal includes a first contact portion, a second contact portion, and an intermediate portion that extends between the first contact portion and the second contact portion. The first contact portion includes a contact point that engages a first electrically conductive structure and a retention force support that engages a portion of the intermediate portion of the spring pin terminal. The second contact portion includes a contact point that engages a second electrically conductive structure and a retention force and alignment support that engages the intermediate portion of the spring pin terminal.