Vehicle Diagnostic Interface Module With Transverse PCB
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing OBD vehicle diagnostic interface modules are cumbersome due to the longitudinal arrangement of printed circuit boards, leading to increased size, vulnerability to damage, and complex manual soldering processes, resulting in high manufacturing costs and production inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The design features Z-shaped pins and a printed circuit board arrangement where the first segments of the pins are housed in notches on the board's perimeter edge, allowing for a compact size and automated soldering, reducing the module's axial size and manufacturing costs while enabling self-centering during assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the printed circuit boards are arranged longitudinally inside the casing, then the electrical coupling between pins and boards is achieved, but the overall volume of the module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a longitudinal arrangement of printed circuit boards to a transverse arrangement where the board is positioned perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connector. This dimensional change allows the pins to be arranged in two rows on opposite sides of the board, reducing the overall length of the module while maintaining all necessary electrical connections.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the pins are arranged in two parallel rows with longitudinal board arrangement, then all electrical connections are established, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs self-centering features where the transverse printed circuit board automatically positions itself relative to the connector housing during assembly. The pins are inserted through predefined openings in the board, and the board's transverse orientation naturally aligns with the connector's geometry, eliminating the need for complex manual positioning and soldering operations.
3Ease of manufacture
If the printed circuit boards are arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis, then the pins can be soldered to the boards, but the module becomes vulnerable to damage from collision and vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reorients the printed circuit board from a longitudinal arrangement (parallel to the axis) to a transverse arrangement (perpendicular to the axis). This dimensional change positions the board and pins in a configuration that is more resistant to shocks and vibrations during vehicle operation, as the transverse orientation distributes mechanical stresses more effectively throughout the connector structure.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Vehicle diagnostic interface module (1) comprising: a printed circuit board, an OBD connector (2), which is provided with a plate-like contact- carrier socket (6) arranged parallel to and facing the printed circuit board (15), a plurality of rigid pins (3) (25), each of them having a first segment (11) projecting from the inner face (7) of the socket (6) along an axis orthogonal to the printed circuit board and inserted in a notch formed on the outer perimeter edge of the board.