Integrated Electromechanical Device Back-to-Back Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current electromechanical devices require larger circuit boards and additional connectors for multiple overlapping boards, increasing space and cost due to the need for electrical connections between them.

Innovation Solution

An integrated electromechanical device with a support body, fixed and variable position contacts, and control circuits that allow for back-to-back mounting and electrical connection/disconnection without dedicated internal connectors, using conductive terminals for connection to circuit boards or cables.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple overlapping circuit boards are used to create integrated electromechanical devices, then device functionality is improved, but space requirements and cost increase due to the need for additional connectors and larger circuit boards

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidcircuit board area
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple circuit board functions into a single integrated circuit board by incorporating back-to-back mounted electromagnetic devices with variable position contacts that can electrically connect different circuit board areas. This eliminates the need for separate connectors and multiple overlapping boards while maintaining the same functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electromagnetic device with variable position contacts serves multiple functions: it acts as both a connector and a functional electromagnetic component (motor, pump, valve). This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require separate connector and electromagnetic device components on multiple circuit boards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple overlapping circuit boards are used with dedicated internal connectors, then electrical connections between boards are achieved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidconnector complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the connector function with the electromagnetic device function into a single integrated component. The variable position contacts serve as both the connection mechanism and the functional element, eliminating the need for separate dedicated connectors and reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electromagnetic device performs dual functions: providing reliable electrical connections between circuit board areas and performing the intended electromagnetic function (motor operation, pumping, valve control). This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed while maintaining connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If larger circuit boards are used to accommodate multiple overlapping areas, then integration of multiple functions is achieved, but manufacturing cost and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple circuit board areas into a single integrated board design where electromagnetic devices with variable position contacts provide both structural support and electrical connection functions. This reduces the total board area required and simplifies manufacturing by eliminating the need to manufacture and assemble multiple separate boards with connectors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3662496B1Integrated electromechanical device
Publication Date: 2021.05.26 HIKE SRL
  • EP3662496B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3662496B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3662496B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An integrated electromechanical device (1) is described comprising: - a support body (100), a first fixed contact (158), a first and a second variable position contact (M1, M2), a first and a second control circuit (138, 138'); the first and the second variable position contact (M1, M2), in a conduction condition, are connected to each other by means of the first fixed contact (158) and, in an isolation condition, are not electrically connected to each other; the transition between the two conditions is controlled by the first and/or by the second control circuit (138, 138'); - at least one first and one second conductive terminal (110, 112) each comprising an end region (100A, 112A) one arranged on a first plane (x1) and the other on a second plane (x2) different and parallel to the first plane (x1); at least one among the first and second conductive terminals (110, 112) is a terminal connected to the first or second variable position contact (M1, M2), or is a terminal of the first or second control circuit (138, 138').