Tool-Free Electrical Connector Assembly for PCB and FFC
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connector assemblies require specialized tools and methods for securing to electrically conductive structures, making the process time-consuming and complicated.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector assembly with a housing featuring slots and electrical contacts, where each contact has a first portion engaging the housing, a second portion engaging one conductive structure, and an intermediate portion engaging the other, allowing quick and easy connection without specialized tools or methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If specialized tools and methods are used to secure electrical connector assemblies, then connection reliability is improved, but installation time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical contacts are designed to automatically engage with the electrically conductive structures through their own elastic deformation and mechanical properties, without requiring external specialized tools. The contacts' resilient nature allows them to self-secure the connection when the structures are inserted into the housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing serves as an intermediary structure that guides and positions the electrically conductive structures during insertion, ensuring proper alignment and facilitating the self-engagement process. The housing's structural design mediates between the user and the electrical contacts, enabling tool-free operation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If specialized tools and methods are used to secure electrical connector assemblies, then connection stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical contacts utilize their inherent elastic properties to automatically establish and maintain stable connections. The resilient material and geometric design enable the contacts to self-adjust and self-secure, eliminating the need for complex installation procedures or specialized tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical contacts are designed with specific elastic modulus values and geometric parameters that enable them to deform and engage with the conductive structures under normal insertion forces. By optimizing these parameters, the contacts achieve stable connections through simple mechanical insertion rather than complex fastening operations.
3Strength
If traditional electrical connector designs are used, then structural strength is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical contacts are designed with optimized elastic modulus parameters and geometric dimensions that allow them to achieve sufficient structural strength through elastic deformation alone. This enables strong, reliable connections to be formed through simple insertion without requiring threads, lugs, or other complex fastening features.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical contacts are designed as discrete, independent resilient elements that can be individually engaged with the conductive structures. This segmentation allows each contact to independently establish a strong mechanical and electrical connection, contributing to overall assembly strength while maintaining operational simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector assembly that can quickly and easily be secured to two electrically conductive structures, such as a flat flexible conductor having multiple electrically conductive traces and a printed circuit board having multiple electrically conductive traces, without the use of specialized tools and/or methods is disclosed. The electrical connector assembly includes a housing having a plurality of slots defined therein. An electrical contact is disposed within each of the plurality of slots. Each electrical contact includes a first portion engaged with the housing, a second portion adapted to engage the first electrically conductive structure when inserted within the housing, and an intermediate portion located between the first portion and the second portion and adapted to engage the second electrically conductive structure when inserted within the housing.