Modular PCB Housing With Replaceable Side Panels for Connector Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic systems in industrial environments lack flexibility in design due to geometric constraints between circuit boards and connector sockets, limiting configuration and adaptability.

Innovation Solution

A cuboid housing with replaceable side surfaces and a circuit board that allows for customizable electrical connections and plug-in interfaces, enabling integration into various industrial systems and providing secure, conductive connections through aligned openings and axial slots.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the electrical connections of the circuit board must geometrically correlate with the connector socket of the housing, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the design of the circuit board is limited and flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidcircuit board design flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is divided into a fixed base and replaceable side surfaces. The side surfaces can be exchanged to accommodate different circuit board configurations, while the base remains constant. This segmentation allows the connector socket to adapt to various circuit board designs without redesigning the entire housing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static housing design to a dynamic one where side surfaces can be replaced. This enables the housing to adapt to different circuit board geometries and connection requirements, providing flexibility while maintaining secure connections through the replaceable interface elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If the housing has a fixed design with predetermined opening positions, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to different circuit board designs is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehousing manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidconfiguration flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is segmented into a manufactured base and interchangeable side surfaces. The base is manufactured once with standardized features, while the side surfaces can be produced in different configurations to match various circuit board designs, combining manufacturing efficiency with adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base housing serves as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple circuit board designs through the use of different side surfaces. This multi-functionality allows a single base design to support various configurations without requiring multiple complete housing designs.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If replaceable side surfaces are introduced to increase flexibility, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem configuration flexibilityVSAvoidhousing structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The replaceable side surfaces are designed to interface with a universal base housing, creating a modular system where complexity is managed through standardization. The universal interface reduces the overall system complexity despite the presence of multiple components.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system is designed to be self-configurable through the replacement of side surfaces. Users can independently exchange side surfaces to adapt the housing to different circuit boards without requiring complex assembly procedures or specialized tools, reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4052548B1Housing for electronic components
Publication Date: 2024.07.24 HARTING ELECTRIC STIFTUNG & CO KG
  • EP4052548B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to a system (1) consisting of a housing (2) of a printed circuit board (4) arranged in the housing (2) and at least one functional element (8), wherein the housing (2) has at least one exchangeable side surface (3, 3', 3''), wherein openings (6) which correlate to electrical connections (7) of the printed circuit board (4) are provided in the at least one exchangeable side surface (3, 3', 3''), and wherein the functional elements (8) each pass through an opening (6) in the side surface (3, 3', 3'') to the electrical connections (7) of the printed circuit board (4) assigned to them and are connected to said connections.