Flash Drive Stacked Circuit Board Miniaturization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flash drives face challenges in miniaturization while maintaining structural strength due to the size constraints of metal connectors, which limits their portability and convenience.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a bearing member with an interfering portion and a casing that provides structural support through a stacking structure, allowing the storage unit to be positioned securely within the casing, enhancing structural strength and enabling miniaturization while maintaining durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the flash drive is miniaturized by reducing the circuit board size, then the portability is improved, but the structural strength deteriorates due to the constraints of metal connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional planar circuit board layout to a three-dimensional stacked structure. The circuit board is folded into multiple layers (first circuit board layer, second circuit board layer) stacked vertically, with connectors arranged in different spatial planes. This dimensional change allows the flash drive to maintain structural strength through the stacking arrangement while reducing the overall footprint and enhancing portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the second circuit board layer is positioned within the spatial envelope of the first circuit board layer. The connectors are nested in multiple tiers, with second connectors arranged below first connectors, creating a compact stacked configuration. This nesting approach maximizes space utilization and maintains structural integrity while minimizing the external dimensions of the flash drive.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional pins are added for USB 3.0 connectivity, then the transmission capability is improved, but the connector size increases, making miniaturization more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent accommodates multiple USB connectivity standards (USB 2.0 and USB 3.0) by arranging connectors in vertical stacks across multiple circuit board layers. First connectors for USB 2.0 are positioned on the first circuit board layer, while second connectors for USB 3.0 are positioned on the second circuit board layer below. This vertical stacking in three-dimensional space allows high-speed connectivity without increasing the horizontal footprint, enabling miniaturization while maintaining advanced transmission capability.
3Volume of moving object
If the metal casing dimensions are reduced, then the portability is improved, but it becomes difficult to further miniaturize the flash drive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent overcomes the miniaturization bottleneck by moving from two-dimensional planar arrangements to three-dimensional stacked configurations. The circuit boards are folded and stacked vertically, with connectors arranged in multiple tiers at different heights. This vertical stacking allows the metal casing dimensions to be reduced in the horizontal plane while maintaining all necessary connector functions, making further miniaturization feasible through spatial optimization rather than simply shrinking components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the connector system into multiple independent groups arranged in different spatial locations and vertical levels. First connectors and second connectors are separated into distinct tiers, with each tier serving specific USB connectivity functions. This segmentation allows each connector group to be optimized independently and facilitates modular assembly, making the miniaturized design easier to manufacture while maintaining full functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage device including a bearing member, a storage unit, and a casing is provided. The casing has a bottom plate, a top plate and a main assembling structure. The bearing member has an interfering portion and a sub-assembling structure. The storage unit has a body with a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other, a limiting portion and a terminal set. Parts of the terminal set and the limiting portion are located at the first surface. The storage unit and the interfering portion are accommodated in the casing. The interfering portion provides interfering force to the limiting portion, and the bottom plate provides a supporting force to the second surface, so that the storage unit is positioned in the casing. The main assembling structure and the sub-assembling are assembled detachably to each other to configure or detach the bearing member and the casing.