Contact Part Clamp for Printed Circuit Boards

Main Themes and Important Ideas/Facts:

1. Core Invention: A contact part clamp for PCBs designed to simplify installation and reduce stress.

• The core of this patent is a novel contact part clamp aimed at addressing the complexities of traditional PCB installation methods and the stress imposed on PCBs.
• Citation: “[0001] The present invention relates to a contact part clamp for printed circuit boards, more specifically, but not exclusively, to a contact part for connection to a power source, which is used for surface mounting of printed circuit boards with reduced stress on the PCB. “

1. Composition and Function of the Contact Part Clamp:

• The contact part clamp typically includes a contact part for contacting the PCB and a contact part for contacting the power source.
• The patent describes various configurations of the contact part clamp, including designs with press-fit contact parts and/or friction contact parts.
• Citation: “[0045] The present invention relates to a contact part clamp for printed circuit boards, more specifically, but not exclusively, to a contact part for connection to a power source, which is used for surface mounting of printed circuit boards with reduced stress on the PCB. “
• Citation: “[0006] An aspect of some embodiments of the present invention relates to a method for mounting a printed circuit board (PCB) to a power source, which includes: pushing the PCB into a position on the mounting part while mechanically engaging the PCB power contact part connected to the PCB to the PCB contact part connected to the mounting part and electrically connecting the PCB power contact part to the PCB contact part. “

1. Simplified Installation and Removal Process:

• A significant advantage of this invention is that it makes the installation and removal of the PCB much easier, typically achievable by simple pushing or pulling without the need for external tools or complex steps.
• Citation: “[0047] A quick installation method for mounting the PCB to the device power source. “
• Citation: “[0048] An aspect of some embodiments of the present invention relates to a modular system for mounting a printed circuit board to a device. The modularity optionally allows for the replacement of one or more components without replacing the PCB. In this way, it is possible to change, for example, the geometry of the device while maintaining the same PCB and/or PCB contact part structure and/or the type of battery. This is useful for minor changes that can be extensively tested and have already replaced one or more approved medical devices. ” (Although this citation does not directly describe simplified installation, it mentions the convenience of the modular system, aligning with the concept of simplified installation.)

1. Reducing Stress on the PCB:

• The design of the contact part clamp is intended to minimize or eliminate the stress applied to the PCB during installation and removal. This is crucial for protecting sensitive PCB components.
• Citation: “[0045] The present invention relates to a contact part clamp for printed circuit boards, more specifically, but not exclusively, to a contact part for connection to a power source, which is used for surface mounting of printed circuit boards with reduced stress on the PCB. “
• Citation: “[0054] For example, in some embodiments, it is possible to avoid using press-fit contact parts and/or friction contact parts that push against a constant force from the PCB. “

1. Diverse Configurations and Applications:

• The patent describes various configurations and mounting methods for the contact part clamp, including the use of guides, fixed-position support parts, and different types of contact methods (e.g., friction contact, press-fit contact, or spring contact).
• Citation: “[0009] In some embodiments of the present invention, the contact engagement includes gripping the rail from opposite sides. “
• Citation: “[0010] In some embodiments of the present invention, sliding includes elastically deforming the fingers to allow the rail to enter between the fingers. “
• Citation: “[0021] In some embodiments of the present invention, the friction contact part includes at least two fingers extending perpendicular to the plane of the PCB, which are configured to slide on opposite sides of the rail. “
• The patent illustrations show various embodiments, such as Figures 2, 3, 4A, 4B, 5, 6A-6C, 7, 8, 9A, 9B, 10A, 10B, etc.

1. Design of the Clamping Mechanism:

• The patent details the design of mechanisms for clamping the PCB or power terminal, such as using elastic fingers or support parts to achieve a secure connection.
• Citation: “[0088] In some embodiments, the friction contact part between the fingers and the rail can allow for a force that produces an offset relative to the plane between the printed circuit board and the mounting substrate, and/or the fingers can optionally be balanced so that the clamping remains stable without requiring external force from the PCB, and/or the fingers/or guides can optionally engage with the guides to achieve a combination of external force and/or combined power load of the guides and clamping combination. “
• Citation: “[0089] Opposing forces and torques can have vector forces that substantially offset each other. For example, in some embodiments, the net force can range between one-tenth and one-hundredth of the sum of the magnitudes of the forces. For example, in some embodiments, the net force can be less than one-fifth of the sum of the magnitudes of the forces. Alternatively, other mounting clamps (e.g., various forms of grounding clamps) can be used as contact parts between the PCB and the power source. “

1. Modular System:

• The patent mentions a modular system for mounting the PCB to a device, allowing for convenient replacement of components, suggesting that the design of the contact part clamp is suitable for applications requiring flexible replacement of PCBs or batteries, such as medical devices.
• Citation: “[0048] An aspect of some embodiments of the present invention relates to a modular system for mounting a printed circuit board to a device. The modularity optionally allows for the replacement of one or more components without replacing the PCB. In this way, it is possible to change, for example, the geometry of the device while maintaining the same PCB and/or PCB contact part structure and/or the type of battery. This is useful for minor changes that can be extensively tested and have already replaced one or more approved medical devices. “

1. Comparison and Improvement over Prior Art:

• The background technology section of the patent reviews some existing PCB mounting and connection methods, such as using screws, clamps, etc., and points out their potential drawbacks, such as complexity in installation and stress on the PCB. The present invention aims to address these issues.
• Citation: “[0002] U.S. Patent Application No. 6722916 by Buccina et al. discloses an electronic component including a printed circuit board having a first battery contact part and a second battery contact part. A battery clamp with a bottom is connected to the first battery contact part. The battery clamp also includes a top that engages with a printed circuit board step having a protrusion extending downward from the top. A button cell is positioned between the battery clamp and the second battery contact part. The battery clamp of the present invention biases the battery into engagement with the first battery contact part having a protrusion. The first battery contact part can be formed by solder bumps or printed circuit patterns arranged in a staggered grid shape. The battery is preferably secured to the first battery contact part by applying solder paste heated to the first battery contact part. ” (This is a description of the prior art.)

Summary:

A contact part clamp for printed circuit boards (PCBs) whose core objective is to simplify the installation and removal process of PCBs while significantly reducing the stress applied to the PCB during this process. The invention achieves a quick and secure connection of the PCB without the need for external tools by designing specific structures for the contact part clamp, including components for PCB contact and power contact. The patent describes various configurations and embodiments, highlighting its design flexibility and adaptability to different application scenarios, particularly emphasizing the convenience of replacing PCBs or batteries in modular systems. This invention holds significant value in applications requiring frequent PCB replacements or those sensitive to PCB stress, such as medical devices.