Angled Circuit Board Connector for Angular PCB Interconnects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current commercial angle connectors are limited to 90° connections between circuit boards, making it difficult to achieve electrical connections for mutually angularly arranged circuit boards with multiple I/O connections on a 0.5-0.75 mm pitch spacing.
Innovation Solution
An angled circuit board connector is developed, comprising a unitary connector block with board-contacting faces arranged at an operative angle, featuring connector traces that extend through the block body to electrically connect ports on mutually angularly arranged circuit boards, allowing for connections at angles other than 180°.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If commercial angle connectors are used for 90° connections, then electrical connection capability is provided, but adaptability to various angles is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of the connector by providing board-contacting faces at various angles (e.g., 45°, 60°, 75°, 105°, 120°, 135°) relative to a centerline, rather than being limited to 90°. This allows the same connector structure to adapt to multiple angular configurations between circuit boards.
2Volume of moving object
If circuit boards are arranged at angles other than 180°, then packaging size and shape goals are achieved, but electrical connection capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from linear 180° board arrangements to angular arrangements by introducing board-contacting faces at specific angles relative to a centerline. This dimensional change in the connector geometry enables electrical connections between boards arranged at various angles, optimizing packaging volume while maintaining connection reliability.
3Quantity of substance
If 0.5-0.75 mm pitch spacing is used for multiple I/O connections, then connection density is increased, but manufacturing precision requirements are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connector into multiple isolated trace regions within the block body, with each trace providing electrical connection between corresponding pads on different boards. This segmentation allows precise control of individual traces at 0.5-0.75 mm pitch spacing, enabling multiple I/O connections while maintaining manufacturing precision through standardized trace patterns.
Data Source
AI summary
An angled circuit board connector includes a unitary connector block having first and second board-contacting faces. The first and second board-contacting faces are arranged relative to each other at an operative angle. The connector block includes a block body. The first and second board-contacting faces face outward from the block body. A first connector port is located on the first board-contacting face. A second connector port is located on the second board-contacting face. A connector trace extends through at least a portion of the block body between the first and second board-contacting faces. The connector trace electrically connects the first and second connector ports.