Folded PCB-Connector Assembly for Compact Electronic Control Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic control devices face challenges in compact size and effective heat dissipation, particularly as they accommodate multiple printed circuit boards and require increased connectors for complex control functions.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a housing with polygonal sidewalls and a bottom plate, featuring multiple PCB-connector modules connected through flexible portions, heat radiating fins, and a PCB fixing protrusion for efficient heat dissipation and compact accommodation of multiple printed circuit boards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple printed circuit boards are accommodated in the housing, then the device can perform more complex control functions, but the device size increases and spatial utilization becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The printed circuit boards are arranged in a folded configuration along the inner sides of the polygonal housing, utilizing multi-dimensional space rather than simple linear stacking. This allows multiple PCBs to be accommodated in a compact volume by exploiting the three-dimensional space within the housing cavity.
Solution Approach 2:
The PCB-connector modules are nested within the housing cavity in a folded arrangement, with each module positioned along the inner sides of the polygonal housing. This nesting approach maximizes space utilization by packing multiple functional modules into the available volume efficiently.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple printed circuit boards are accommodated in the housing, then more connectors are needed for external connections, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Each PCB-connector module is designed as a standardized unit that can be replicated and arranged along the housing inner sides. This modular approach allows the same structural pattern to serve multiple functions: housing the PCB, providing structural support, enabling heat dissipation, and facilitating external connections through integrated connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is segmented into multiple identical PCB-connector modules, each handling specific control functions and external connections. This segmentation allows complex functionality to be achieved through repetition of simple, standardized units rather than through a single complex integrated structure.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple printed circuit boards are placed in the housing, then heat dissipation becomes insufficient, but adding heat dissipation structures increases device size
Solution Approach 1:
The housing structure is designed with differentiated local properties: the inner sides of the polygonal housing provide mounting surfaces for PCB modules, while the outer surface features heat radiating fins for thermal management. This local differentiation allows the same housing to simultaneously serve structural, mounting, and heat dissipation functions without increasing overall device volume.
4Reliability
If printed circuit boards are fixed to the housing using conventional methods, then the connection may be loose or unstable, but improving fixation increases assembly complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The housing structure is merged with the fixation function through integrated fixation protrusions that extend from the housing inner surface. These protrusions directly engage with corresponding features on the PCB modules, combining the housing's structural role with the fixation role in a single integrated feature, thereby ensuring stable connection without adding separate fixation components or assembly steps.
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
This configuration allows for a compact device with enhanced heat dissipation, increased connector capacity, and improved electrical connections, reducing device size while maintaining performance.
Implementation Method 1
Heat radiating fins may be formed on an outer surface of the sidewall
Implementation Method 2
heat from the respective printed circuit boards may be effectively discharged to the external housing
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an electronic control device. The present invention provides an electronic control device including: a housing which includes sidewalls that are disposed in a polygonal shape, and a bottom plate that closes one side of the sidewalls; and a PCB-connector assembly which includes multiple PCB-connector modules each including a printed circuit board and a connector connected to one side of the printed circuit board, in which the adjacent PCB-connector modules are connected through a flexible connecting portion, in which the PCB-connector assembly is coupled to the housing in a state in which the multiple PCB-connector modules are folded at the flexible connecting portions.