Securing PCB to PCB

[twgFire]

We ran into a problem with our product which require a temporary fix. Two PCBs are connected together with a molex connector, however the prodcut is subjected to some vibrations and movement, over time (pretty short period of time) the connecctors will come loose. I know the best way to solve it if find a better locking connector. However I have some volume of these board and wanting to find a way to somehow fasten the two PCBs without adding a lot of dimensions. We tried gluing, but the movement is too much that it will not hold. Are there any ways to crimp or staple the two PCBs together??

 

[Comcokid]

What is the Molex part number? Maybe someone can suggest a better connector to rework with.

Can you remove the connectors and rework with a ribbon cable inbetween so the two boards can vibrate independently?

Is there room next to each connector to drill and add standoffs to rigidly affix the boards together at the connector?

Are the connectors near a board edge or in the middle?

 

[twgFire]

Actually our capabilities are pretty limited. We manufacture roll up doors for fire trucks, we get the PCBs manufactured elsewhere and assemble them. Bacically we don't have any electronics capabilities. We really need to figure out a secondary process to secure these boards, if we start re-work, I'm sure we'll run into more problems.

There are approix 1/8" on either side of the connector for fastening and the two PCB needed to be butted against each other.

 

[itsmoked]

We are picturing boards sandwiched but I guess they are actually side by side.

Just use a Dremel tool and drill four holes. One on each side of each connector. Then use the smallest softest tie wraps you can find and tie-wrap them together. Of course don't damage any traces.

Keith Cress
Flamin Systems, Inc.-

http://www.flaminsystems.com

 

[Noway2]

Smoked,

I think this is how the display board should attach to the computer board on another project we have been discussing.

 

[itsmoked]

Yeah! Tiewrap the board down to blobs of chewing gum!!!!

Actually tie-wraps can be pretty cool, well not cool, but effective.

Keith Cress
Flamin Systems, Inc.-

http://www.flaminsystems.com

 

[sreid]

Any chance that you can "glue" the connector bodies together using a bead of RTV?

 

[Comcokid]

Without more information as to how the two boards are oriented to each other, and how the boards are mounted themselves it it difficult to make suggestions. Would it be possible to take a picture and post a link to a web page?

When vibration is the problem, you need to dampen the vibration or change to a connector that can handle some displacement. How about putting some adhesive foam pads under the connector(s) to the enclosure of the case to dampen the vibration at the connector?

 

[twgFire]

The zip tie idea worked really well, simple and effective. This is good to tie us over until our next production run with the proper connector.

Thanks everyone for your help.