Vertical PCB Connector with Integrated Latch and Lock Pin
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connector devices for electronic devices are complex to manufacture, costly, and lack design flexibility due to the need for complementary connectors, with low impact resistance and high risk of detachment from the circuit substrate under external forces.
Innovation Solution
A vertical-type PCB connector with a lock pin portion, bending terminal members, and a retainer that allows direct mounting to any position on the PCB substrate, providing secure fixation in X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions without a complementary connector, using a lock pin portion and latch units to prevent detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional connector device with female and male connectors is used, then connection functionality is achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes complicated and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of the female connector, male connector, and PCB mounting structure into a single integrated connector device. The connector housing directly mounts to the PCB substrate with integrated terminal members that provide both electrical connection and mechanical fixation, eliminating the need for separate complementary connectors and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector device serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical connection through terminal members, mechanical fixation through the housing that directly mounts to the PCB substrate, and structural support. This multi-functional design replaces the need for separate connectors and mounting hardware.
2Reliability
If both female connector and male connector are used, then connection is achieved, but different molds are required and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of separate male and female connectors into a single connector housing with integrated terminal members. This eliminates the need for different molds and reduces the number of parts, directly lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining reliable electrical connection functionality.
3Device complexity
If substrate edge connection-type connector is used, then male connector is removed from circuit substrate, but degree of freedom for designing circuit substrate and impact resistance are low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from edge-connection geometry to through-hole mounting geometry, allowing the connector to be positioned at any location on the PCB substrate rather than being restricted to edge positions. This dimensional change in mounting approach significantly increases design flexibility while maintaining structural simplicity.
4Ease of manufacture
If substrate edge connection-type connector is used, then connector can be connected to substrate, but connector is detached just with small external force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fixation function into multiple independent elements: latch units that engage with the PCB substrate and a lock pin portion that provides additional anchoring. This segmentation of fixation mechanisms distributes the load and prevents detachment under external force, enhancing impact resistance while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch units and lock pin portion are pre-configured in the connector housing to automatically engage with the PCB substrate during assembly. This preliminary preparation of fixation elements ensures reliable attachment before any external forces are applied, preventing detachment without requiring complex assembly procedures.
5Adaptability or versatility
If vertical mounting is implemented, then connector can be connected to any position on circuit substrate, but secure fixation against external forces is required
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation system is segmented into multiple independent elements (latch units and lock pin portion) that work together to provide secure anchoring. This segmentation allows the connector to be firmly fixed at any vertical position on the PCB substrate while resisting external forces through distributed mechanical engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the connector housing have specialized local structures optimized for their functions: latch units with specific geometries for engaging the PCB substrate and a lock pin portion for additional anchoring. These localized structural qualities ensure secure fixation at the connection point while maintaining overall design flexibility.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Disclosed is a vertical-type direct PCB connector. The vertical-type direct PCB connector includes a connector housing directly mounted to one surface of a PCB substrate in a vertical type; and bending terminal members installed inside the connector housing and having one side extending in a first direction corresponding to a direction perpendicular to the one surface of the PCB substrate to be connected to a signal transmission cable and the other side extending in a second direction corresponding to a length direction of contact pads provided to the one surface of the PCB substrate to be connectable to the contact pads.