Board-to-Board Contact Bridge for PCB Interconnect

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connectors for printed circuit boards are either costly in terms of space, difficult to install, or limited in their ability to introduce external power, making them inefficient for applications requiring space-saving, easy installation, and high power connectivity.

Innovation Solution

A board-to-board connection system comprising receptacle assemblies and a contact bridge that allows for efficient mechanical and electrical coupling of printed circuit boards, enabling rapid connection without hand-soldering, with multiple contact points for high current-carrying capacity and automated placement, and allowing for external power introduction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a plug-socket arrangement is used to connect printed circuit boards, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but the space occupied on the printed circuit boards increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidspace occupied on printed circuit board

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into two separate receptacle assemblies mounted on different printed circuit boards, with a contact bridge connecting them. This segmentation allows each board to have minimal connector footprint while maintaining reliable electrical connection through the bridge.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection transitions from a planar plug-socket arrangement to a three-dimensional configuration where contact beams extend vertically from one board and engage with receptacles on another board, reducing the horizontal space required on each board.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If single way connectors are used to save space, then space efficiency is improved, but the connectors become difficult to install and lack sufficient surface area for automated pick-and-place machines

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace occupied on printed circuit boardVSAvoidinstallation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The design merges the advantages of space-efficient single-way connectors with the installation ease of larger surface mount components by creating a receptacle assembly that provides both compact footprint and sufficient surface area for automated pick-and-place machine engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If traditional connectors are used, then basic electrical connection is achieved, but the ability to introduce external power into the printed circuit boards is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidexternal power introduction capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The receptacle assembly and contact bridge design incorporates multiple contact points that can simultaneously handle signal transmission and power delivery, enabling the connector to serve multiple functions including external power introduction while maintaining basic electrical connection capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10734742B2Board-to-board contact bridge system

Publication Date: 2020.08.04 KYOCERA AVX COMPONENTS CORP

AI summary

This disclosure provides for an apparatus for connecting a first printed circuit board to a second printed circuit board. More specifically, an apparatus that includes a first receptacle assembly, a second receptacle assembly, and a contact bridge is disclosed. In an embodiment, the contact bridge conductively connects with the first receptacle assembly and the second receptacle assembly. In an embodiment, the contact bridge is disposed between sets of contact beams of the first and second receptacle assemblies.