Monolithic Ground Plane Integrating Power and Data Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing of electrically operated aerosol generating devices is complex due to the difficulty in providing suitable electrical connections between components within limited dimensions, increasing both size and manufacturing complexity.
Innovation Solution
A monolithic ground plane with an elongate conductive member and a frame that integrates the electrical power line and data lines, allowing for easier electrical and structural coupling of device components, reducing the need for soldering and simplifying the manufacturing process by using a substantially rigid track and integrally moulded components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional electrical connections and separate components are used, then device functionality is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and assembly difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ground plane, electrical power line, and data line into a single monolithic printed circuit board structure. The conductive traces are integrated directly into the PCB substrate, eliminating the need for separate electrical connection components and reducing assembly steps while maintaining all necessary electrical functionalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The monolithic ground plane serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the ground reference potential, carries electrical power through integrated traces, transmits data signals, and provides mechanical support for mounting components. This multi-functional integration reduces the overall number of components needed in the device.
2Productivity
If multiple separate components and electrical lines are used, then device functionality is achieved, but assembly process becomes more time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the ground plane, power lines, and data lines into a single monolithic PCB, the patent reduces the number of discrete components that need to be assembled. This integration allows for faster assembly processes as fewer individual electrical connections need to be made, directly improving productivity and reducing assembly time.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional electrical wiring is used, then electrical connections are established, but manufacturing cost and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates all electrical connections into the PCB trace structure, eliminating the need for separate wires, connectors, and soldering operations for individual electrical lines. This reduces manufacturing costs by simplifying the bill of materials and reducing assembly operations, while the traces provide robust electrical connectivity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution reduces manufacturing complexity and cost, simplifies the assembly process, and enables efficient power and data transmission, while maintaining the device's compact size and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
an elongate conductive member with a plurality of electrical contacts, configured to electrically couple a negative terminal of a power supply to an electronic circuit board
Implementation Method 2
The means for electrically insulating the electrical power line from, and mechanically coupling the electrical power line to, the elongate conductive member may be a frame
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an electrically operated aerosol-generating device. The device comprising: an electrical power supply (110); an electronic circuit board (112); an external electrical power contact; an electrical power line (102), configured to electrically couple the external electrical power contact to the electronic circuit board; and a ground plane. The ground plane comprises: an elongate conductive member, configured to: electrically couple the power supply to the electronic circuit board; and structurally retain the power supply, and electronic circuit board. The ground plane further comprises: means (108) for electrically insulating the electrical power line from the elongate conductive member; and means (108) for mechanically coupling the electrical power line to the elongate conductive member.