Integrated PCB Connector for Thin Electronic Devices

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Electrical connectors often limit the thickness of electronic devices, hindering the development of thinner form factor designs.

Innovation Solution

An integrated electrical connector is formed directly on a printed circuit board, featuring a receptacle with a locking mechanism and conductive traces, allowing for a communication connection via a flex cable, which is manufactured using laminate layers and potentially formed through laser cutting or material removal processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If traditional electrical connectors are used, then connectivity function is achieved, but device thickness increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice thicknessVSAvoidconnectivity function

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is merged with the printed circuit board to form an integrated structure. The receptacle is formed directly in the PCB body through material removal processes, eliminating the need for separate connector components and reducing overall device thickness while maintaining connectivity functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector structure transitions from a three-dimensional protruding component to a two-dimensional planar integration within the PCB surface. The receptacle is formed as a recessed feature in the PCB body, changing the spatial dimensionality from external attachment to internal integration, thereby reducing thickness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Length of moving object

If connector is integrated into PCB, then device thickness is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice thicknessVSAvoidconnector fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Traditional mechanical connector assembly processes are replaced with laser-based material removal processes. The receptacle is formed directly in the PCB body using laser cutting or laser ablation, substituting mechanical drilling and assembly with optical processing, which simplifies the overall manufacturing workflow despite requiring specialized equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The manufacturing process parameters are changed from mechanical force-based operations to energy-based laser operations. By controlling laser power, pulse duration, and scanning speed, the receptacle geometry is precisely formed without mechanical contact, enabling integration while managing manufacturing complexity through parameter optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10355384B2Integrated connector for electronic device

Publication Date: 2019.07.16 INTEL CORP

AI summary

In one example an electronic device comprises a chassis and a printed circuit board coupled to the chassis and comprising a body formed from a plurality of laminate layers, and at least one receptacle formed in the body and comprising at least one data connector positioned in the receptacle to provide a communication connection. Other examples may be described.