Connecting Terminal Fixing Structure for Fast PCB Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical connection technologies face challenges in quickly aligning and securely fixing terminals on printed circuit boards (PCBs) due to difficulties in aligning bolt holes and the risk of bolt loosening during transportation, leading to potential disconnection and loss of electricity transmission.

Innovation Solution

A connecting terminal fixing structure comprising a conductive seat with an n-shape top plate, a clamping member with snap-fitting parts, and a nut, which allows for quick and stable alignment and locking of terminals through a dual locking mechanism, including snap-fitting and threaded connections, to prevent displacement and ensure reliable contact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a bolt is used to fasten the terminal to the conductive terminal, then the terminal can be fixed to the conductive terminal, but it is difficult to quickly align the bolt hole between the terminal and the conductive terminal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment speedVSAvoidalignment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive seat is pre-integrated with positioning structures (positioning blocks or positioning holes) that align with corresponding structures on the terminal before fastening. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the terminal is placed on the conductive seat, the bolt holes are automatically aligned, eliminating the difficulty of manual alignment and enabling quick assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If a bolt is used to fasten the terminal to the conductive terminal, then the terminal can be fixed, but the bolt may loosen after being fastened due to transportation vibration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidvibration impact
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The design incorporates anti-loosening features such as prevailing torque mechanisms in the bolt threads or deformed nut structures that create friction resistance against loosening. These features provide preliminary protection against the harmful effect of vibration by creating a self-locking mechanism that prevents the bolt from loosening during transportation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The connection structure includes cushioning elements or compliant features that absorb vibration energy before it can cause bolt loosening. These elements act as a buffer, reducing the impact of transportation vibrations on the fastened connection and maintaining reliability under vibrational stress.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If a bolt is used to fasten the terminal, then the terminal can be fixed, but it may cause the terminal and the conductive terminal to displace from each other, losing the function of electricity transmission

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidposition stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Positioning structures (positioning blocks or positioning holes) are pre-integrated into the conductive seat and terminal design to establish precise positional relationships before fastening. This preliminary positioning ensures that the electrical contact surfaces are correctly aligned and maintained during fastening and transportation, preventing displacement that would compromise electrical connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Productivity

If traditional fastening methods are used, then the terminal can be fixed, but assembly time is increased due to alignment difficulties

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly speedVSAvoidalignment time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive seat is pre-integrated with positioning structures (positioning blocks or positioning holes) that automatically align with corresponding structures on the terminal. This preliminary positioning eliminates the time-consuming manual alignment process, allowing workers to simply place the terminal onto the conductive seat and proceed directly to fastening, thereby significantly reducing assembly time and improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 secure assembly of terminals on PCBs, reducing assembly time and material usage while maintaining reliable electrical contact and preventing displacement due to vibration, ensuring consistent electricity transmission.

Implementation Method 1

the snap-fitting part is an elastic piece positioned to correspond to at least one notch of a terminal, and the elastic piece is clamped and connected to the notch

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20240372285A1Connecting Terminal Fixing Structure
Publication Date: 2024.11.07 KS TERMINALS INC
  • US20240372285A1 patent drawing
  • US20240372285A1 patent drawing
  • US20240372285A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A connecting terminal fixing structure comprising: a conductive seat, a clamping member, and a nut; the conductive seat consisting of two side plates and a top plate that are integrally formed, the top plate being connected to the top of the side plate on each side so that the conductive seat forms an n-shape, and the top plate having a perforation; the clamping member having an opening, the clamping member being located on the lower surface of the top plate and at least one snap-fitting part extending from each of the opposite sides of the clamping member; the nut having a threaded hole; wherein, said perforation, said opening, and said threaded hole being correspondingly positioned to form a through hole, facilitating the swift assembly of the terminal.