Interconnectable Electronic Device Cases with Engagement Portions
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices with chip components, such as multilayer ceramic capacitors, are not user-friendly for handling multiple units as a single unit due to their individual case configurations, lacking a convenient method for interconnection.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device design includes a chip component with a terminal electrode, a conductive terminal, and a case with a connecting portion that allows multiple cases to be interconnected via engagement portions, enabling them to be handled as a single unit, with the connecting portion serving as both a mechanical and electrical interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electronic devices are configured with individual cases, then each device is structurally complete and protective, but multiple devices cannot be conveniently handled as a single unit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating a connecting portion directly into the case structure of multiple electronic devices. The connecting portion includes engagement portions that allow cases to be mechanically coupled together, transforming separate individual devices into a unified assembly that can be handled as a single unit while maintaining the protective function of each case.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting portion is designed with engagement portions that can universally connect multiple cases together in various configurations. This multi-functional design allows the same connecting structure to serve both as a mechanical connector and as a means for electrical signal transmission between devices, enabling flexible arrangement and optimization for different usage scenarios.
2Adaptability or versatility
If connecting portions are added to interconnect cases, then multiple devices can be handled as a single unit, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the connecting portion with the case structure, integrating mechanical connection and electrical signal transmission functions into a unified component. This eliminates the need for separate connection mechanisms and reduces overall structural complexity while achieving the goal of interconnecting multiple devices for flexible arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting portion is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: mechanical coupling of cases, electrical signal transmission between devices, and structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing overall device complexity while enhancing adaptability for various configurations.
3Ease of manufacture
If engagement portions are formed on case outer surfaces, then interconnection between cases is simplified, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement portions are designed with asymmetric geometries including protrusions and recesses that provide directional guidance during assembly. This asymmetric design ensures proper alignment between connecting portions of multiple cases, reducing the need for high manufacturing precision while simplifying the interconnection process through intuitive mateable structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement portions incorporate curved or rounded features that facilitate easier alignment and connection between cases. The curved geometries allow for tolerance compensation during assembly, reducing the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining simple interconnection operations.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic component has capacitor chips where terminal electrodes are formed on both end surfaces, individual metal terminals connected to the terminal electrodes, an insulation case accommodating the capacitor chips, and a connecting portion interconnecting a plurality of the insulation cases.