Backplane Connector With Sprung Elements For Direct PCB Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic apparatus face challenges in assembling and disassembling backplanes that are not directly accessible due to distance from the front or rear panels, requiring complex cable connections that are time-consuming, costly, and prone to damage.
Innovation Solution
A chassis design with a circuit board having conductive pads and a backplane with sprung conductive elements that connect perpendicularly, eliminating the need for cables and allowing independent servicing by guiding and pre-compressing the connector elements onto the circuit board pads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cables are used to connect the backplane to the front/rear panel, then electrical connection is achieved, but assembly time increases and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the cable assembly from the system by establishing direct electrical contact between the backplane connector and the circuit board through the chassis wall opening, thereby removing the intermediate cable component that adds complexity and assembly time
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is positioned asymmetrically at the edge of the backplane rather than centrally, allowing it to extend through the chassis wall opening and make direct contact with the circuit board, eliminating the need for symmetric cable routing
2Reliability
If cables are used to connect the backplane to the front/rear panel, then electrical connection is achieved, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the cable assembly entirely and establishing direct electrical contact through the chassis wall opening, the patent eliminates the time-consuming cable routing, connection, and securing operations that are inherent in traditional cable-based designs
3Ease of operation
If the backplane is positioned midway between front and back panels, then direct connection is enabled, but space is consumed and cable routing is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar connection approach (requiring the backplane to be positioned midway) to a three-dimensional solution where the connector extends through the chassis wall opening, enabling direct connection while maintaining the backplane in its optimal midway position for module accessibility
4Reliability
If cables are used for connection, then electrical connection is achieved, but risk of damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
By completely removing the cable assembly from the system and establishing direct soldered or conductive contact between the backplane connector and circuit board, the patent eliminates the vulnerable cable component that is susceptible to damage from bending, pulling, and wear
5Reliability
If complex cable assemblies are used, then connection is achieved, but ease of repair decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains modular segmentation where the backplane and circuit board remain separate, independently serviceable components, but eliminates the cable assembly that complicated repair operations, allowing technicians to access and replace components directly without dealing with cable routing and connections
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 solution simplifies assembly, reduces part count, saves time, and improves reliability by using a circuit board to carry signals/power, while allowing for easy insertion and extraction of components without the need for cables, thus enhancing space efficiency and reducing the risk of damage.
Implementation Method 1
the connector comprising a plurality of sprung conductive elements which extend outwards beyond the edge of the backplane to make electrical contact with respective conductive pads on the circuit board
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an electronic apparatus (100) comprising a backplane (120) and methods of assembling and disassembling such an apparatus. The electronic apparatus (100) comprises a chassis (101) having plural walls and a circuit board (140) fastened to a wall of the chassis, a surface of the circuit board having a plurality of conductive pads (146). A backplane (120) is fastened in a received position in the chassis substantially perpendicular to the circuit board. The backplane has a connector (130) at an edge of the backplane, the connector comprising a plurality of sprung conductive elements (132,134) which extend outwards beyond the edge of the backplane to make electrical contact with respective conductive pads (146) on the circuit board.