Active Plug Connector Sharing Single Active Element Across PCBs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing active plug connectors require independent active components on each printed circuit board, increasing costs due to redundant active elements.
Innovation Solution
An active plug connector design where two printed circuit boards are electrically connected via a connecting member, sharing a single active element mounted on one of the boards, reducing the need for duplicate active components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If independent active components are mounted on each printed circuit board, then each board can function independently, but the cost increases due to redundant active elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the active element functionality into a single shared component that serves both printed circuit boards. The active element is mounted on one PCB and shares its functionality with the other PCB through electrical connection, eliminating redundant active components while maintaining independent operation capability for each board
Solution Approach 2:
The active element is designed with universal functionality that can serve multiple purposes for both printed circuit boards. A single active element performs the same function for both boards, allowing one component to fulfill the role that would traditionally require two separate components
2Ease of manufacture
If a connecting member is used to electrically connect the two printed circuit boards, then the active element can be shared to reduce cost, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting member is segmented into multiple contact portions, each independently contacting conductive pads on different printed circuit boards. This segmentation allows the single connecting member to establish multiple electrical connections simultaneously, enabling shared active element functionality while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting member acts as an intermediary component that bridges the two printed circuit boards. It provides the electrical connection pathway that allows the active element on one board to share its functionality with the other board, serving as a mediator that enables cost reduction without requiring direct board-to-board integration
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration allows for cost-effective electrical connection between the printed circuit boards while maintaining functionality, reducing the overall cost of the active plug connector.
Implementation Method 1
a connecting member electrically connected with the two printed circuit boards to share the active element
Data Source
AI summary
An active plug connector (100; 300) adapted to plug into a receptacle includes a shell (11; 21; 31) defining a receiving room (114; 314), a pair of printed circuit boards (12, 13; 22, 23; 32, 33) received in the receiving room and disposed horizontally and spaced apart from each other along a vertical direction, an active element mounted on one of the two printed circuit boards, and a connecting member (14; 24; 34) electrically connected with the two printed circuit boards to share the active element. A method for assembling the active plug connector comprises inserting the connecting member into the receiving room to electrically connect with the conductive pads of the printed circuit boards to share the active element.