Multi-Purpose Cowling and Compass Flex Circuit for EMI Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices face design constraints due to the need for increased features, power, and battery life, leading to compact component packaging that can result in electrical or magnetic interference, which affects device performance.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of multi-purpose cowling structures that include an electromagnetic interference shield to prevent inadvertent disconnects of board connectors and provide electrical grounding, along with a compass mounted on a flexible printed circuit board to minimize interference and optimize component placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If components are compactly packaged to reduce device size, then device dimensions are reduced, but electrical or magnetic interference increases affecting performance
Solution Approach 1:
An electromagnetic interference shield is introduced as an intermediary component between the compass and ferrous objects. The shield physically separates these components while maintaining electrical connectivity through a flexible printed circuit board, thereby preventing magnetic interference from affecting the compass's directional readings while preserving the compact device form factor
2Volume of moving object
If the compass is mounted close to the logic board to save space, then device volume is reduced, but magnetic interference from ferrous objects affects compass performance
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into functionally separated zones: the logic board with ferrous components is separated from the compass by the EMI shield. This segmentation allows the compass to be positioned close to the logic board for space efficiency while the shield creates a magnetic isolation zone that protects compass reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible printed circuit board serves as a mediator that maintains electrical connectivity between the compass and the logic board while allowing physical separation. This enables the compass to be positioned away from ferrous objects for reliable operation while maintaining functional integration with the logic board through the flexible circuit
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively reduces spacing constraints within electronic devices, enhances functional utility, and improves performance by preventing connector disconnects and isolating the compass from ferrous objects, thus reducing interference and ensuring accurate directional readings.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic interference shield may provide one or more anchors for enabling a logic board cowling to apply sufficient downward force
Implementation Method 2
a cowling can electrically connect the ground plane of a logic board to the ground plane of a housing member
Data Source
AI summary
Multi-purpose cowling structures are provided to minimize spacing impact within an electronic device, while maximizing functional utility. In one embodiment, an electromagnetic interference shield may provide one or more anchors for enabling a logic board cowling to apply sufficient downward force to one or more board connectors to prevent inadvertent disconnects. In another embodiment, a cowling can electrically connect the ground plane of a logic board to the ground plane of a housing member and provide a pre-load force to a conductor connection existing on logic board. A compass mounted on a flexible printed circuit board is also provided. Mounting the compass on a flexible printed circuit board enables the compass to be mounted remote from ferrous object that may affect the compass's performance.