Circuit Board Contact Configuration for RIUP Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing configuration of locating both power and data contacts on a single leading edge of a circuit board is suboptimal due to space constraints and regulatory requirements, and it challenges the need for removal and insertion under power (RIUP) operations while maintaining data continuity.
Innovation Solution
The circuit board design places power contacts adjacent one edge and data contacts adjacent a transverse edge, with the base featuring separate power and data connectors that allow for RIUP operations by enabling the data connector to switch between open and closed configurations for insertion and removal, reducing wear and preventing transient connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If both power and data contacts are located on the single leading edge of the circuit board, then the insertion process can be simplified, but the space requirements and regulatory compliance become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the contact arrangement into two separate locations: power contacts on the leading edge and data contacts on the opposite edge. This segmentation resolves the space constraint contradiction by distributing contacts across different edges, eliminating the need to fit both types on the limited leading edge space while maintaining separate functional zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional contact arrangement (all contacts on the leading edge) to a two-dimensional distribution (power contacts on leading edge, data contacts on opposite edge). This dimensional change allows both power and data contacts to be accommodated with adequate spacing, resolving the space limitation while preserving insertion simplicity.
2Volume of moving object
If both power and data contacts are located on the leading edge, then the contact structure is compact, but compliance with minimum spacing regulations becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the contact locations into two separate edges, the patent automatically ensures minimum spacing compliance between power and data contacts. The physical separation across the board width eliminates the need for precise tight-spacing control, making regulatory compliance straightforward while maintaining a compact overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the board's width dimension to separate power and data contacts, moving from a narrow one-dimensional leading edge arrangement to a two-dimensional distribution across opposite edges. This dimensional expansion provides sufficient spacing to meet minimum regulatory requirements without compromising structural compactness.
3Reliability
If data connector is in closed configuration during insertion, then data continuity is maintained, but contact wear and transient connections increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the data connector in an open configuration during insertion, preventing transient connections before they occur. Power contacts are established first in the closed data connector configuration, and only after power connection is confirmed does the data connector close, eliminating the risk of transient data connections and reducing contact wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the data connector configuration state changeable - open during insertion and closing only after power connection is established. This dynamic state change allows the system to optimize for both protection during insertion (open state prevents wear) and data continuity during operation (closed state enables transmission).
Data Source
AI summary
An electronics circuit board includes a periphery defined by a plurality of edges. At least one power contact is located adjacent a first one of said edges and a plurality of data contacts are located adjacent a second one of said edges. The first and second edges are arranged transversely relative to each other. The circuit board is operatively installed on a base that includes a power connector and a data connector. At least one power contact of the circuit board is operably engaged with the power connector and the plurality of data contacts of the circuit board are operably engaged with said data connector. The power connector is located adjacent said first edge of the circuit board and the data connector is located adjacent a second edge of the circuit board.