Electric Switch Latching Lug for PCB Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of existing electrical switches on printed circuit boards is complex and prone to errors, with a risk of the switch falling off during soldering, leading to increased rejects and contamination by hot solder.
Innovation Solution
The electrical switch features a latching lug that engages with the printed circuit board, combined with a resilient detent or snap spring for secure attachment, and optional elastic springs for mechanical tension, ensuring stable positioning without additional hold-down devices or plastic latches that could contaminate the solder bath.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the switch is mounted on the printed circuit board without additional hold-down devices, then the assembly is simpler and fewer components are used, but the switch may fall off during soldering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mounting function and retention function into a single integrated connection structure. The connection element with latching lug merges the electrical connection function with the mechanical retention function, eliminating the need for separate hold-down devices while ensuring the switch remains securely attached during soldering through the latching mechanism that engages with the printed circuit board opening
Solution Approach 2:
The connection element is segmented into functional parts: a body portion for electrical connection, a latching lug for mechanical retention, and an angled configuration for insertion. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently while working together as an integrated mounting solution
2Reliability
If additional hold-down devices or plastic latches are used to secure the switch, then the switch cannot fall off during soldering, but the solder bath may be contaminated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the retention function from separate hold-down devices or plastic latches and integrates it directly into the connection element itself. The latching lug is formed as an integral part of the connection element, eliminating the need for additional plastic components that could contaminate the solder bath while maintaining reliable switch retention
Solution Approach 2:
The connection element is designed as a simple metal component that can withstand the soldering process without contamination risk. By using a metal connection element with latching lug rather than plastic latches, the design eliminates components that would be damaged by hot solder, avoiding solder bath contamination while maintaining retention function
3Ease of operation
If the connection is made resilient with a detent or snap spring, then the switch can be easily mounted and secured, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a resilient connection element with detent or snap spring that transitions from a flexible mounting state to a locked retention state. The resilient nature allows easy insertion and mounting operation, while the detent mechanism provides automatic locking to secure the switch, achieving both ease of operation and reliable retention with minimal structural 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
This design allows for easy, secure manual or automatic mounting and soldering of the switch, preventing it from falling off during the process and ensuring reliable electrical contact, reducing rejects and maintaining cleanliness.
Implementation Method 1
The connection is expediently designed to be resilient, such that the latching lug locks in the opening when the switch is installed due to the spring effect of the connection on the printed circuit board
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an electric switch (1) having a housing (3), a contact system located in the housing (3) and an operating member (6) protruding from the housing (3) for a switching action on the contact system. Electrical terminals (7) for the contact system protrude from the housing (3), wherein at an opening (10) in a printed circuit board (2) the terminal (7) can be pushed through from one side (8) to the other side (9) of the printed circuit board (2). In particular the terminal (7) can thereby be soldered to a solder eye on the other side (9) of the circuit board (2) as a solder connection. The terminal (7) has a detent (12). When the switch (1) is assembled on the printed circuit board (2), the detent (12) locks in place at the opening (10) of the circuit board (2), specifically such that a lug of the detent (12) rests at the edge of the opening (10) on the other side (9) of the printed circuit board (2).