Twist-Lock Light Control Module for Space-Efficient PCB Termination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light fixtures face challenges in reliably terminating power contacts to the printed circuit board due to limited space in the central portion, which affects the efficient connection and operation of sensor modules.
Innovation Solution
A light control module with a plug connector and receptacle connector system using twist-lock power contacts that allow for rotation-based mating, featuring twist lock plug terminals and board terminals to facilitate secure and efficient electrical connections to the control circuit board, ensuring space-efficient termination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power contacts extend through the housing to terminate directly to the printed circuit board in the central portion, then electrical connection is achieved, but space is limited and reliable termination becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the power contact termination from a central planar arrangement to a distributed radial arrangement around the perimeter of the printed circuit board. This dimensional redistribution allows multiple power contacts to be terminated at different locations along the board's edge rather than competing for central space, resolving the contradiction between achieving reliable electrical connection and having sufficient space for termination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the power contact termination into multiple segments distributed around the perimeter of the printed circuit board rather than consolidating them in the central portion. Each power contact is routed to a separate termination point along the edge, segmenting the electrical connection path and distributing the spatial requirements across the board's perimeter, thereby achieving both reliable termination and adequate space utilization.
2Reliability
If twist-lock power contacts are used for sensor module connection, then secure electrical connection is achieved, but the rotation-based mating mechanism increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrical connection function and the mechanical locking function into a single integrated twist-lock power contact assembly. The same contact structure that provides electrical connectivity also performs the rotational locking action, merging two functions into one component system and thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The twist-lock power contacts serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide electrical power transmission, enable rotational mating for connection, and provide mechanical locking for secure attachment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby achieving secure electrical connection without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components are terminated to the printed circuit board, then functionality is enhanced, but space in the central portion becomes insufficient for power contact termination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent redistributes power contact termination from the central two-dimensional space to the perimeter boundary of the printed circuit board. This allows multiple components to occupy the central portion for enhanced functionality while power contacts are routed to edge locations, effectively utilizing the board's perimeter dimension and resolving the space conflict.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the power contact termination points across multiple locations along the printed circuit board's perimeter rather than concentrating them centrally. This segmentation allows the central area to be dedicated to other functional components while power contacts are distributed to edge positions, enabling both enhanced functionality and adequate space for power termination.
Data Source
AI summary
A light control module includes a plug connector configured to be mated with a receptacle connector mounted to the light fixture. The plug connector has a plug connector housing holding plug power contacts. The plug connector housing has a base with a top configured to support a control circuit board and a bottom facing the receptacle connector. The plug power contacts are received in power contact channels and include twist lock plug terminals and board terminals. The twist lock plug terminals have mating ends have rotate-to-mate interfaces configured to be connected to the receptacle power contacts in a rotation direction. The board terminals have mating ends configured to be electrically connected to the control circuit board to electrically connect the twist lock plug terminals to the control circuit board.