Threaded PCB Receptacles for Rapid Component Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for connecting integrated circuits (ICs) to printed circuit boards (PCBs) using solder joints are expensive, time-consuming, and prone to errors, with the process of attaching and detaching components being similarly challenging due to the complexity of soldering and de-soldering processes.
Innovation Solution
A threaded printed circuit board (PCB) design featuring threaded receptors, alignment holes, and pads that allow components with threaded connectors and alignment pins to be easily attached and removed by screwing into the receptors, with electrical or optical connections made through pogo pins and pads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional soldering methods are used to connect ICs to PCBs, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but the process becomes expensive, time-consuming, and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the connection system into separable components: a PCB with threaded receptacles and alignment features, and IC carriers with corresponding threaded connectors and alignment pins. This segmentation allows the IC carrier to be detached and reattached multiple times without permanent bonding, eliminating the time-consuming soldering and de-soldering processes while maintaining reliable electrical connections through the threaded interface and pogo pin contacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the traditional thermal-mechanical soldering process with a purely mechanical threaded connection system. The threaded connectors engage with threaded receptacles to provide mechanical retention, while electrical connections are established through pogo pins making contact with pads on the PCB. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for heat application, solder material, and complex soldering equipment, significantly reducing attachment time and error rates.
2Reliability
If solder joints are used to connect components, then stable electrical connection is achieved, but the process becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into modular components: the PCB with integrated threaded receptacles and alignment holes, and the IC carrier with threaded connectors and alignment pins. This modular approach simplifies the overall device complexity by eliminating the need for soldering equipment, flux, and solder material while maintaining stable electrical connections through the mechanical threaded interface and spring-loaded pogo pins.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex thermal-mechanical soldering process is replaced with a simple mechanical threading operation. The threaded connector is rotated to engage with the threaded receptacle, automatically bringing the pogo pins into contact with the PCB pads to establish electrical connections. This mechanical substitution dramatically reduces device complexity by eliminating entire categories of soldering equipment and materials while achieving comparable connection stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If de-soldering processes are used to remove components, then component replacement is possible, but the process remains expensive and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the connection into reversible mechanical threads rather than permanent solder joints. The IC carrier can be easily unscrewed from the PCB by rotating the threaded connector in the opposite direction, allowing rapid component replacement without expensive de-soldering equipment or skilled labor. This segmentation enables frequent reconfiguration and upgrades while significantly reducing manufacturing and maintenance costs.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using irreversible soldering that requires complex de-soldering processes for component replacement, the invention inverts the approach by using reversible mechanical threading. The threaded connector can be easily unscrewed and rescrewed multiple times, making component replacement as simple as a screw operation rather than a complex thermal process. This inversion eliminates the need for expensive de-soldering equipment and skilled technicians while maintaining secure electrical connections during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit board disclosed herein includes a threaded receptor, one or more alignment holes, and one or more pads. The threaded receptor is configured to receive a component with a threaded screw. Each of the one or more alignment holes are configured to receive an alignment pin located on the component. Each of the one or more pads are configured to electrically connect to a pogo pin on the component.