Controller PCB Connector Layout for Easier Cable Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motor control devices face issues with deteriorating assembly and maintenance workability due to unclear connector couplings on circuit substrates, leading to potential interference and complexity in assembly and maintenance processes.

Innovation Solution

A controller design with specific alignment and orientation of connectors on power supply and system circuit substrates, using first and second connectors disposed along orthogonal directions to minimize cable length and interference, enhancing assembly and maintenance workability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If connectors are disposed aligned in the same direction on overlapping circuit substrates, then electrical coupling is achieved, but assembly and maintenance workability deteriorates due to cable interference and complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical couplingVSAvoidassembly and maintenance workability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dimensional change by shifting the connector arrangement from a one-dimensional aligned configuration to a two-dimensional offset configuration. Specifically, the first connector on the first circuit substrate and the second connector on the second circuit substrate are positioned at different locations along the longitudinal direction, transforming the cable routing from a potentially interfering parallel path to a staggered arrangement that reduces interference and improves workability.

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

2Ease of operation

If connectors are disposed offset in orthogonal direction, then assembly and maintenance workability improves, but connector alignment precision requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly and maintenance workabilityVSAvoidconnector alignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining specific offset distance requirements for connector positioning. The offset distance between the first connector and second connector along the longitudinal direction is predetermined to be within a specific range, allowing assembly personnel to follow clear positioning guidelines rather than requiring complex real-time alignment adjustments, thus improving workability while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4679951A1controller
Publication Date: 2026.01.14 SEIKO EPSON CORP
  • EP4679951A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4679951A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4679951A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A controller includes a housing including a bottom surface panel, a power supply circuit substrate including a first connector, disposed on the bottom surface panel, a system circuit substrate including a second connector, disposed on the bottom surface panel by being aligned with the power supply circuit substrate in a direction along the bottom surface panel, and a first cable coupled to the first connector and the second connector. The first connector is disposed along a side of the power supply circuit substrate which faces the system circuit substrate. The second connector is disposed along a side of the system circuit substrate which faces the power supply circuit substrate. The first connector and the second connector are disposed to be shifted in a second direction orthogonal to a first direction in which the power supply circuit substrate and the system circuit substrate are aligned.