Integrated PCB with Edge Switches for Compact Tool Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Hand tools with brushless DC electric motors face space constraints due to the need for additional electronics, requiring excessive wiring and structural support for separate motor and display control circuit boards.
Innovation Solution
A printed circuit board (PCB) is positioned perpendicular to the display assembly within the tool housing, incorporating switches on its edge to engage display buttons, eliminating the need for additional wiring and structural support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate circuit boards are used for motor control and display control, then functional reliability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the motor control circuit board and display control circuit board into a single integrated PCB. The PCB includes a first circuit board for motor control and a second circuit board for display control, eliminating the need for separate boards while maintaining all necessary functions. This integration reduces the number of components and simplifies the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated PCB serves multiple functions: it controls the brushless DC motor through motor control circuits, manages display operations through display control circuits, and provides user input processing through switches. This multi-functional design allows a single component to replace multiple separate components, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If separate circuit boards are used for motor control and display control, then functional reliability is improved, but the area occupied in the housing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the motor control circuit board and display control circuit board into a single integrated PCB that occupies less space than two separate boards would require. The PCB is designed with a compact layout that integrates all necessary circuits and components in one unit, reducing the total area occupied in the housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The PCB is positioned perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing, utilizing vertical space rather than horizontal space. This orientation allows the circuit board to be disposed in the housing portion in a space-efficient manner, reducing the footprint area while maintaining all necessary functional capabilities.
3Reliability
If excessive wiring is used to connect separate circuit boards, then functional reliability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the motor control circuit board and display control circuit board into a single integrated PCB, eliminating the need for excessive wiring between separate boards. The integrated design allows circuits to be directly connected on the same board, reducing wiring complexity while maintaining reliable electrical connections.
Data Source
AI summary
A printed circuit board (PCB) for motor and display control of a tool. The PCB is disposed within a housing portion of the tool substantially perpendicular to a display assembly of the tool. The PCB includes integrated switches adapted to engage corresponding buttons of the display assembly. The housing portion and display assembly including features to restrict movement of the PCB relative to the housing portion.