Modular Power Supply PCB Protrusion Groove Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

In power supply devices with multiple modules, it is difficult for users to identify and replace only the faulty module, leading to the need for replacing the entire device when an error occurs, which is inefficient and costly.

Innovation Solution

A power supply device design featuring modular printed circuit boards with protrusion and groove configurations, along with LED indicators and conductive connections, allows for easy identification and replacement of faulty modules, enabling separate module replacement and reducing downtime.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If power supply device is implemented as integrated package including various modules, then power supply stability is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply stabilityVSAvoidmodule replacement difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply device is divided into multiple independent modules (first power module, second power module, third power module) that can be separately replaced. Each module is connected through standardized interfaces (protrusion parts and grooves) allowing individual module replacement without replacing the entire power supply device, thus improving ease of repair while maintaining system reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of energy

If multiple modules are integrated in one package, then power conversion efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower conversion efficiencyVSAvoidmodule integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply device is segmented into multiple independent modules (first power module with first printed circuit board, second power module with second printed circuit board, third power module with third printed circuit board) that can be separately replaced. Each module is connected through standardized interfaces (protrusion parts and grooves) allowing individual module replacement without replacing the entire power supply device, thus improving ease of repair while maintaining system reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of repair

If modular design with separate replaceable modules is implemented, then ease of repair is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodule replacement easeVSAvoidmodular structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The printed circuit boards are designed with asymmetric protrusion and groove structures that provide both mechanical connection and electrical connection functions. The protrusion part on one PCB fits into the groove part on another PCB, creating an asymmetric interface that simplifies module replacement while maintaining reliable electrical connections, thus improving ease of repair without significantly increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentEP3545613B1Power supply device and electronic device comprising the same
Publication Date: 2023.07.26 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3545613B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2a
  • EP3545613B1 patent drawingFigure 2b~2d
  • EP3545613B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A power supply device includes a first power module including a first printed circuit board in which a first protrusion part is formed along a first side surface of the first printed circuit board facing a first direction, a second power module including a second printed circuit board in which a first groove is formed along a second side surface of the printed circuit board facing the first side surface of the first printed circuit board in a second direction, and a third power module including a third printed circuit board electrically connecting the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board. The first protrusion part is inserted into the first groove to physically connect the first printed circuit board to the second printed circuit board.