Elevated USB Connector PCB Component Placement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing female USB connectors are typically mounted adjacent to the edge of a printed circuit board (PCB), limiting the placement of components in front of the connector and potentially interfering with electromagnetic emissions, as they do not allow for elevated mounting while maintaining plug and unplug access.
Innovation Solution
A high profile female USB connector with a cavity opening positioned higher than standard connectors, enabling mounting away from the edge of the PCB, allowing components to be placed below and in front, while still allowing plug and unplug access, and incorporating electromagnetic interference shielding and snap fit connectors for secure mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the female USB connector is mounted adjacent to the edge of the PCB, then plug and unplug access is easy, but component placement freedom is limited and electromagnetic emissions are not reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by elevating the female USB connector from the standard planar mounting position adjacent to the PCB edge into the third dimension (vertical height). The connector housing extends vertically from the PCB surface, positioning the cavity opening at an elevated position. This vertical displacement allows components to be mounted in the horizontal plane below and in front of the connector without interfering with plug and unplug access, while maintaining ease of operation.
2Ease of manufacture
If the female USB connector is mounted adjacent to the edge of the PCB, then manufacturing is simple, but electromagnetic emissions are not reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the female USB connector in an elevated vertical position relative to the PCB surface, creating spatial separation between the connector and other PCB components. This vertical displacement in the third dimension allows the connector to be mounted away from the PCB edge while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized mounting techniques, and simultaneously reduces electromagnetic emissions by increasing distance from other components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the cavity opening is positioned higher away from the substrate, then component placement freedom is improved, but connector stability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates snap fit connections that engage with the PCB during the assembly process. These snap fit features are pre-formed as integral parts of the connector housing, allowing the elevated connector to be securely mounted to the PCB before other components are assembled. This preliminary securing action ensures connector stability at the elevated position without compromising component placement freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector housing is segmented into multiple functional portions: a mounting base that attaches to the PCB, a vertical housing body that provides elevation, and a cavity opening portion that receives the male connector. This segmentation allows the mounting function to be separated from the connection function, enabling stable mounting at an elevated position that provides component placement freedom.
Data Source
AI summary
A high profile female USB connector for mounting to a substrate includes a heightened housing that elevates the female USB connector above and away from a surface of a substrate, such as a printed circuit board (PCB). The female USB connector, which can be a standard, mini, or micro USB type, is contained within the housing with contact pins extending from contacts of the female USB connector through a wall of the housing for connection to the substrate.