Circuit Board Aperture for Non-Destructive Component Replacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing circuit board systems face challenges in making electrical components non-destructively changeable, as traditional socket elements increase board size and are limited by specific connector pin patterns, hindering flexibility in component replacement and system modification.

Innovation Solution

A circuit board system with a base part and a changeable part, where the changeable part fits into an aperture on the base part, allowing for positional change and secure locking without increasing board size, enabling different components with various pin patterns to be used without the need for traditional socket elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional socket elements are used for non-destructive component replacement, then components can be changed without soldering, but the circuit board size increases due to the perpendicular space required for socket elements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenon-destructive component replacementVSAvoidcircuit board size
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from traditional vertical socket mounting (perpendicular to the board surface) to a planar aperture-based system where components are replaced through holes in the board surface. This dimensional change eliminates the need for perpendicular space, allowing non-destructive replacement while maintaining a compact board footprint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If traditional socket elements are used for component replacement, then components can be changed non-destructively, but the system becomes limited by specific connector pin patterns

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenon-destructive component replacementVSAvoidconnector pin pattern compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal mounting interface through standardized apertures and connection portions that can accommodate different electrical components with various pin patterns. The connection portions provide a flexible mechanical and electrical interface that adapts to different component designs, enabling non-destructive replacement across diverse component types without requiring component-specific sockets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If socket elements with spring forces and friction are used, then components can be held securely, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent retentionVSAvoidsocket element structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the complex spring-based retention mechanism from traditional sockets and replaces it with a simplified aperture and connection portion system. The connection portions provide secure retention through their geometric design and mechanical interlocking with the component, eliminating the need for separate spring elements while maintaining reliable component holding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3192334B1A circuit board system
Publication Date: 2020.11.04 LEDIL
  • EP3192334B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3192334B1 patent drawingFigure 1c~1d
  • EP3192334B1 patent drawingFigure 1e~2

AI summary

A circuit board system comprises a circuit board having a base part (101) and at least one changeable part (102) furnished with at least one electrical component (103) such as a light emitting diode. The base part comprises an aperture for receiving the changeable part so that a perpendicular of the changeable part is parallel with a perpendicular of the base part. The aperture is shaped to allow the position of the changeable part to be changed with respect to the base part when the changeable part is in the aperture, and edges of the aperture and the changeable part have mutually cooperative connection portions (105, 106) which allow the changeable part to be introduced on the aperture when the changeable part is in a first position and which limit freedom of the changeable part to get away from the aperture when the changeable part is in a second position.