Surface Mount Antenna Contacts for PCB Interconnects

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for connecting antennas to printed circuit boards (PCBs) are costly and inefficient, particularly in high-density assemblies, due to direct soldering or the use of large connectors that complicate installation and increase hardware costs.

Innovation Solution

A surface mounting contact device made from a conductive metal alloy, such as brass with nickel and silver, is used to connect multiple PCBs, featuring a raised portion and anchor point that biases into a second position for electrical contact, allowing for efficient and cost-effective installation across RF, digital, or analog signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If direct soldering or large connectors are used to connect antennas to PCBs, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but hardware cost and installation complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The contact device is divided into distinct functional segments: a mounting portion that attaches to the first PCB, a contact portion that interfaces with the second PCB, and an intermediate biased portion that provides mechanical compliance. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently while simplifying the overall installation process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The contact device serves as an intermediary component between the antenna PCB and controller PCB, replacing the need for direct soldering or large connectors. The biased contact portion acts as a mediator that absorbs misalignment and provides reliable electrical connection without requiring complex installation procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If direct soldering or large connectors are used to connect antennas to PCBs, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but hardware cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The contact device merges multiple functions into a single component: mechanical mounting, electrical connection, and stress absorption. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate connectors and reduces assembly steps, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining reliable electrical connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The contact device is designed as a cost-effective, replaceable component that can be easily manufactured and installed. By using a simple biased contact structure rather than expensive connectors or complex soldering procedures, the overall system cost is reduced while maintaining adequate reliability for the application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If large connectors are used to connect antennas to PCBs, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but space utilization deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidPCB space utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The contact device transitions from a planar connector design to a three-dimensional biased contact structure. The contact portion can deflect perpendicular to the PCB surface, allowing reliable electrical connection in a compact footprint that would be impossible with traditional flat connectors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The contact device incorporates dynamic compliance through its biased contact portion, which can deflect and adapt to minor misalignments between PCBs. This dynamic capability allows the use of smaller, more compact contact areas while maintaining reliable electrical connection, unlike rigid large connectors that require precise alignment and more space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 enables rapid and cost-effective electrical connections between PCBs, ensuring robust and reliable coupling while optimizing space usage and reducing indirect costs associated with complex soldering and hardware expenses.

Implementation Method 1

A surface mounting contact device made from a conductive metal alloy, such as brass with nickel and silver, is used to connect multiple PCBs

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

The contact device is formed from a single material and mounted on a first PCB biased in a first position when at rest and in a second position when in electrical contact with a second PCB

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8897032B2Surface mount antenna contacts

Publication Date: 2014.11.25 CAMBIUM NETWORKS

AI summary

A method and system for connecting a vertical printed circuit board with a horizontal printed circuit board where a contact device is biased in a first position when not contacting a vertical printed circuit board and is biased in a second position when the vertical printed circuit is coupled to the horizontal printed circuit board.