Multilayer Wiring Board Connector Grounding Plate Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing connector designs with a separate grounding component attached to a printed circuit board suffer from variability in electrical characteristics due to inaccuracies in the grounding component's attachment, leading to inconsistent positioning of grounding contacts and pads.

Innovation Solution

A connector with a main portion formed as part of a multilayer wiring board, featuring a surface conductive layer and an inner conductive layer, where the grounding plate and contacts are integrated to ensure high positioning accuracy, and a guide member is used to secure the connector, allowing for precise alignment and contactability in the up-down direction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a separate grounding component is attached to a printed circuit board, then the grounding component can be independently assembled and replaced, but the positioning accuracy of grounding contacts and pads varies due to attaching accuracy issues

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveIndependent assembly and replacement of grounding componentVSAvoidPositioning accuracy of grounding contacts and pads
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The grounding component is merged with the printed circuit board to form an integrated structure. The grounding plate is formed directly on the PCB surface through conductive patterns, eliminating the need for separate attachment. This integration ensures that the grounding contacts and pads maintain consistent positioning relative to other connector components, resolving the positioning accuracy issue while preserving manufacturability through standard PCB fabrication processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Manufacturing precision

If the grounding component is integrated into the printed circuit board, then the positioning accuracy of grounding contacts and pads is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePositioning accuracy of grounding contacts and padsVSAvoidManufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The grounding component is merged with the printed circuit board using standard PCB fabrication techniques. Conductive patterns are formed on the PCB surface through conventional processes such as copper plating and solder mask application, which are already part of standard PCB manufacturing. This approach integrates the grounding function without requiring additional manufacturing steps or complex processes, thereby improving positioning accuracy while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If a guide member is added to cover the main portion, then the alignment and positioning accuracy are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAlignment and positioning accuracyVSAvoidNumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The housing structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support, guides the connector assembly, and positions the grounding component relative to other parts. By integrating the guiding function into the existing housing rather than adding a separate guide member, the design achieves the required alignment and positioning accuracy without increasing device complexity or the number of components.

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

Data Source

PatentUS11056844B2Connector, device provided with the same and method of manufacturing the same
Publication Date: 2021.07.06 JAPAN AVIATION ELECTRONICS IND LTD
  • US11056844B2 patent drawing
  • US11056844B2 patent drawing
  • US11056844B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A connector has a main portion formed as a part of a multilayer wiring board and having a tongue shape. The multilayer wiring board is provided with a surface conductive layer and an inner conductive layer. The inner conductive layer is located apart from and inward of the surface conductive layer in an up-down direction. The main portion is provided with a grounding plate formed in the surface conductive layer and a plurality of contacts formed in the inner conductive layer. Each of the contacts is, at least in part, exposed and contactable in the up-down direction. Since the grounding plate and the contacts are formed in the conductive layers of the multilayer wiring board, the connector can possess desired electric characteristics in high accuracy.