Circuit Board Support Structure with Integrated Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting fixtures require users to manipulate wires and connectors to establish and remove electrical connections to circuit boards, which is tedious, confusing, and potentially leads to incorrect connections.
Innovation Solution
A circuit board support structure with a fixedly received circuit board connection device that is removably mated with a corresponding socket connection device, eliminating the need for wire manipulation during installation and removal, and ensuring proper alignment and electrical connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If loose female connectors extending from power source are used to make electrical connections to circuit boards, then electrical connections can be made, but users must manipulate wires and connectors which is tedious, confusing, and may lead to incorrect connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical connection function with the circuit board mounting function by integrating the connector directly into the support structure. The support structure includes a recess that receives and secures the circuit board, and simultaneously houses the female connector that makes electrical contact with the male connector on the circuit board. This combination eliminates the need for separate wire manipulation steps, allowing users to make both mechanical and electrical connections in a single action.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary integrated connector structure that mediates between the power source and the circuit board. This intermediary structure includes both the mounting recess and the electrical connector, serving as a unified interface that simplifies the connection process. The intermediary structure guides the circuit board into proper alignment and simultaneously establishes electrical contact, preventing incorrect connections.
2Ease of repair
If loose female connectors are used for electrical connections, then connections can be established, but users must also manipulate connectors to remove electrical connections for replacement or maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrical connector with the mounting structure, so that removing the circuit board from the support structure simultaneously disconnects both the mechanical mounting and the electrical connection. The integrated design allows a single removal action to accomplish both tasks, significantly reducing the time and complexity of maintenance operations compared to handling separate connectors and wires.
3Manufacturing precision
If fixed socket connection devices are used on circuit boards, then proper alignment can be ensured, but the overall device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the alignment function with the electrical connection function by integrating the female connector directly into the support structure's recess. The connector is positioned within the recess to automatically align with the male connector on the circuit board when the board is inserted. This integration achieves precise alignment without requiring separate alignment mechanisms, maintaining manufacturing precision while avoiding additional complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed herein is a circuit board support structure (10, 110, 810) having a circuit board connection device (20, 120, 820) fixedly received thereon. The circuit board connection device (20, 120, 820) is configured to be removably mated with a corresponding socket connection device (50, 150, 250, 850) of a circuit board (40, 140, 840) such that the circuit board (40, 140, 840) may be adjacent the circuit board support structure (10, 110, 810) when the socket connection device (50, 150, 250, 850) is mated with the circuit board connection device (20, 120, 820).