Circuit Structure Relay Member Insulated Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing circuit structures face challenges in easily mounting electronic components due to height differences between substrates and conductive members, requiring terminal bending which can be impractical for short terminals.

Innovation Solution

A circuit structure that includes a substrate with a conductive pattern, a conductive member, an electronic component with terminals connected to both, and a relay member fixed to the conductive member via an insulating material, along with a step difference absorbing member to facilitate easy electrical connections without terminal bending.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conductive member is fixed to the substrate, then electrical connection is achieved, but a height difference (step difference) is created that complicates terminal connection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidterminal connection
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a relay member as an intermediary component between the conductive member and the terminal. The relay member includes a first terminal portion that contacts the conductive member and a second terminal portion that contacts the terminal, with an insulating portion that prevents short circuits. This mediator resolves the height difference issue by providing a stepped connection surface that accommodates both the conductive member and the terminal without requiring terminal bending.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If terminal bending is performed to connect terminals, then electrical connection is achieved, but the process becomes complex and impossible for short terminals

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidconnection process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The relay member serves as a mediator that eliminates the need for terminal bending. By providing a stepped connection surface with the first terminal portion at a lower level (contacting the conductive member) and the second terminal portion at a higher level (contacting the terminal), the relay member allows direct connection without deformation of the terminal, simplifying the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The relay member utilizes vertical dimensionality to resolve the connection issue. By creating a stepped structure with different height levels for the first and second terminal portions, the relay member accommodates the height difference between the conductive member and the terminal in the vertical dimension, allowing horizontal alignment and direct connection without bending.

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

3Stability of the object's composition

If the relay member is fixed to the conductive member, then stable connection is achieved, but insulation must be maintained to prevent short circuits

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidshort circuit risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The relay member is segmented into distinct functional portions: a conductive first terminal portion for contacting the conductive member, an insulating portion for preventing short circuits, and a conductive second terminal portion for contacting the terminal. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function - the insulating portion electrically isolates the first terminal portion from the second terminal portion, preventing short circuits while maintaining mechanical connection stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the relay member have different electrical properties tailored to their specific functions. The first terminal portion and second terminal portion are conductive to ensure good electrical contact, while the insulating portion is non-conductive to prevent short circuits. This local differentiation of electrical quality allows the relay member to simultaneously achieve stable connection and prevent harmful short circuits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS10285274B2Circuit structure
Publication Date: 2019.05.07 AUTONETWORKS TECH LTD
  • US10285274B2 patent drawing
  • US10285274B2 patent drawing
  • US10285274B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A circuit structure is provided to which an electronic component can be easily mounted (electrical connection of terminals). A circuit structure that includes a substrate provided with a conductive pattern on one face thereof; a conductive member fixed to the other face of the substrate; an electronic component that has first terminals and of a plurality of terminals, that are electrically connected to the conductive member, and a second terminal of the plurality of terminals that is electrically connected to the conductive pattern provided on the substrate; and a relay member for electrically connecting the second terminal and the conductive pattern provided on the substrate, at least a portion of the relay member being fixed to the conductive member via an insulating material.