Connection Terminal Integrating Electronic Assembly for Compact PCB Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in electronic device miniaturization is the limited assembly density on printed circuit boards, which restricts further reduction in size due to the need for a dense arrangement of electronic components.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an electronic assembly within the connection terminal, allowing relocation of components from the external printed circuit board to the terminal, and using a shielding housing to mitigate interference sensitivity, with options for screw or spring terminal contacts and various connection elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If electronic components are arranged on printed circuit boards to achieve miniaturization, then device size is reduced, but assembly density reaches a technological limit that restricts further size reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the connection terminal with an electronic assembly into a single integrated unit. The terminal housing contains both the electrical connection components (clamping contacts, connection elements) and electronic components (such as capacitors, resistors, or integrated circuits) that were previously separate on the printed circuit board. This integration reduces the overall device volume by eliminating the need for separate mounting spaces and interconnections.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic assembly is nested within the terminal housing structure. The housing serves dual purposes: as the protective enclosure for the electrical connection components and as the mounting structure for the electronic components. This nested arrangement allows electronic components to be positioned inside the terminal's internal cavity, effectively utilizing the available space and reducing the external dimensions of the overall assembly.
2Area of stationary object
If an electronic assembly is integrated into the connection terminal, then the external printed circuit board can be made more compact, but the terminal structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal housing is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: providing mechanical support for electrical connections, housing electronic components, providing electrical insulation, and serving as a mounting structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components and simplifies the overall structure despite the integration of multiple functions into a single element.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal is designed with modular segmentation, allowing the housing, clamping contacts, connection elements, and electronic assembly to be manufactured separately and then assembled. This segmentation enables standardized production of individual components that can be mass-produced and then combined, reducing the complexity of manufacturing the integrated terminal while maintaining the compact design benefits.
3Reliability
If clamping contacts are designed as spring terminals for electrical connection, then connection reliability is improved, but sensitivity to interference radiation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of interference radiation into a beneficial shielding mechanism. The terminal housing is designed with electromagnetic shielding properties, using conductive or ferromagnetic materials to redirect or absorb interfering electromagnetic radiation. The same housing that provides mechanical protection also serves as an electromagnetic shield, protecting the sensitive electronic components and clamping contacts from external interference while maintaining connection reliability.
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 approach enables more compact external printed circuit boards by relocating components, reduces production costs through standardized designs, and provides effective shielding against interference.
Implementation Method 1
at least one clamping contact or at least one connection element is electrically connected to the electronic assembly contained in the connection terminal via a spring element that acts on the contact surface
Implementation Method 2
at least two of the clamping contacts have a further contact area which is designed to be resilient, so that an additional electronic component, in particular a resistor, can be arranged on the connection terminal
Data Source
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AI summary
The terminal (100) has a housing comprising two terminal contacts i.e. clamping contacts, for making electrical connection with electrical terminals and terminals (105) e.g. soldering pin, for making electrical connection to an outer side of the terminal arranged with an electronic assembly i.e. circuit board. The terminal contacts are connected with an electrical connection terminal on the electronic assembly. The electronic assembly comprises a contact surface, and the terminal contacts or terminals push the contact surface over a spring element. An independent claim is also included for a terminal printed circuit board arrangement.