Configurable PCB with Separable Support Portions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printed circuit boards (PCBs) require customized production for different applications, leading to increased manufacturing complexity, cost, and reduced adaptability due to the need for varying numbers of support portions for optical ports.
Innovation Solution
A configurable PCB design featuring separable portions that can be easily detached from the main body, allowing for a variable number of support portions to be added or removed, enabling the same PCB to be adapted for different applications without custom manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If PCBs are custom made for different applications with varying numbers of support portions, then the PCBs can meet specific application requirements, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The PCB is divided into a main body and multiple separable support portions that can be independently removed. Each support portion can be detached via scored portions, allowing the PCB to be reconfigured for different applications without custom manufacturing. This segmentation enables a single PCB design to serve multiple applications by simply adding or removing support portions as needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If PCBs are custom made for different applications, then the proper number of support portions can be provided, but the production time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The PCB includes a main body with multiple integrally formed support portions that can be selectively removed. This allows a single standardized PCB to be produced for multiple applications, eliminating the need for separate custom production runs. The separable design enables rapid reconfiguration between applications, significantly improving production efficiency while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The PCB is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate different numbers of support portions through the separable design. The same PCB main body can serve multiple applications by simply adding or removing support portions, making the PCB multi-functional and eliminating the need for application-specific custom manufacturing, thereby improving productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If PCBs are custom made for different applications, then the proper number of support portions can be provided, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The PCB features integrally formed support portions that are separable via scored portions. This allows a single standardized PCB design to be manufactured for multiple applications, eliminating the need for expensive custom manufacturing runs. The separable design enables cost-effective production by using the same main body for different applications with varying numbers of support portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The PCB is designed as a universal platform that can be manufactured once and used for multiple applications by selectively removing support portions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate custom manufacturing for each application, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining the ability to meet different application requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
According to an example embodiment of the invention, a configurable printed circuit board (PCB) includes one or more separable portions for supporting modules for interfacing with the PCB. The separable portions extend from an edge portion of a main body of the PCB, and are disposed between the main body of the PCB and a protective portion. A scored portion is provided at a boundary between the main body of the PCB and the separable portions, the separable portions being separable by being broken off from the main body of the PCB at the scored portion. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method of configuring a PCB having one or more separable portions of the PCB includes securing the PCB and separating the one or more separable portions of the PCB from another portion of the PCB.