Power Connector Stability on IMS Boards via Segmented Circuit Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

The through-hole technology cannot be applied to IMS printed circuit boards, and power connectors attached using SMD technology are fragile due to high forces during connection and disconnection, leading to instability.

Innovation Solution

A circuit design where a separate circuit board with power connectors is fastened to the IMS printed circuit board using through-hole technology for the connectors and SMD technology for solder joints, distributing forces across multiple solder joints for stability, and optionally covered with a plastic box for added security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If power connector is attached using SMD technology on IMS printed circuit board, then the connector can be mounted on the board, but the connection becomes fragile due to high forces during connection and disconnection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting capability on IMS boardVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The circuit board system is divided into two separate boards: an IMS printed circuit board and a separate circuit board. The power connector is mounted on the separate circuit board using through-hole technology, while the separate circuit board itself is attached to the IMS board using SMD technology with multiple solder joints. This segmentation allows each component to use the most appropriate mounting method for its requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The separate circuit board acts as an intermediary between the power connector and the IMS printed circuit board. It transfers mechanical loads and electrical connections, protecting the IMS board from direct stress while enabling both through-hole and SMD mounting approaches in the overall system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If through-hole technology is used for power connector on IMS printed circuit board, then the connection becomes mechanically strong, but the technology cannot be applied to IMS boards

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical connection strengthVSAvoidcompatibility with IMS board
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into two separate circuit boards, allowing the separate circuit board to use through-hole technology for the power connector while the IMS board uses SMD technology for attaching the separate board. This resolves the incompatibility of through-hole technology with IMS boards while preserving the mechanical strength benefits where applicable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The solution moves the through-hole mounting operation to a different dimension - from the IMS board itself to a separate circuit board that then interfaces with the IMS board. This dimensional separation allows through-hole technology to be used in the overall system without directly conflicting with IMS board constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If multiple solder joints are used to fasten separate circuit board, then the forces are distributed and stability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidnumber of solder joints
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple solder joints are combined into a single separate circuit board assembly. Instead of individually mounting the power connector to the IMS board with multiple separate connections, all connections are consolidated through the separate board, which distributes forces across multiple solder joints while presenting a unified interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2635097B1An electric and/or electronic circuit including a printed circuit board, a separate circuit board and a power connector
Publication Date: 2021.07.07 ELECTROLUX HOME PROD CORP NV
  • EP2635097B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2635097B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to an electric and/or electronic circuit including a printed circuit board (20), at least one separate circuit board (10) and at least one power connector (12) for said printed circuit board (20). The at least one power connector (12) is connected or connectable to a corresponding counterpart. A number of electric and/or electronic components (22) is sold at the separate circuit board (10). The at least one separate circuit board (10) is connected to the printed circuit board (20) by a number of solder joints (16). The solder joints (16) are connected to the separate circuit board (10) by a through-hole-technology. The solder joints (16) are connected to the printed circuit board (20) by SMD (surface mount device) technology. At least one power connector (12) is fastened at the separate circuit board (10) by the through-hole-technology.