Connector Test Point Integration for Compact PCB Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

The miniaturization of printed circuit boards in backlight units for display devices makes it difficult to accommodate test terminals for testing light source blocks, leading to space constraints and potential issues with testing functionality.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating test points directly on the terminals of the connector mounted on the printed circuit board, which allows for contact with a test probe without the need for a separate test terminal, thereby minimizing the board size and enabling compact and slim display devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the printed circuit board is miniaturized to achieve compact display devices, then the size of the display device is reduced, but space for separate test terminals is eliminated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesize of display deviceVSAvoidtesting functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the test terminal function with the connector terminal by forming a test point on the connector terminal itself. This merging eliminates the need for separate test terminals on the printed circuit board, thereby reducing board space while maintaining testing capability. The test point is created by exposing a portion of the terminal surface or forming a recess on the terminal, allowing test probe contact directly at the terminal location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If separate test terminals are provided on the printed circuit board, then testing of light source blocks can be performed, but the board size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting functionalityVSAvoidsize of printed circuit board
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The test terminal function is merged with the connector terminal structure. The terminal serves dual purposes: electrical connection for light source blocks and testing interface. By forming a test point directly on the terminal surface or at its exposed portion, the patent eliminates redundant test terminal structures, thereby reducing the printed circuit board area while preserving complete testing functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Area of stationary object

If the connector terminal is used as a test point, then the printed circuit board size is minimized, but the terminal structure must be modified

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesize of printed circuit boardVSAvoidconnector structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal structure is modified locally at specific points to create test points, rather than changing the entire terminal design. This is achieved by exposing a portion of the terminal surface through opening insulating layers or forming localized recesses on the terminal surface. These local modifications enable testing functionality while maintaining the overall simplicity and integrity of the connector structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS9653011B2Printed circuit board assembly and display device having the same
Publication Date: 2017.05.16 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • US9653011B2 patent drawing
  • US9653011B2 patent drawing
  • US9653011B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A printed circuit board assembly includes a printed circuit board, a connector mounted on the printed circuit board and including at least one terminal electrically connected to an external device, and at least one electronic component mounted on the printed circuit board and electrically connected to the at least one terminal of the connector. The connector includes at least one test point electrically connected to the terminal and configured to make contact with a test probe.