Multi-PCB Connector Layout Around a Battery With Overlapping Links

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing number of electronic components on printed circuit boards (PCBs) necessitates larger connectors, which reduces design efficiency and increases costs, and integrally configuring PCBs with connection members complicates repair and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

Distributing connector terminals across both surfaces of the PCBs to manage the increased number of components without enlarging the connector width, allowing for efficient component arrangement and cost reduction while maintaining ease of repair.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If more electronic components are disposed on printed circuit boards, then the functionality of the electronic device is improved, but the size of connectors must be increased to accommodate more terminals

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidconnector size
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the third dimension (vertical direction) by forming connectors that extend in the thickness direction of the PCB. Instead of expanding connector width horizontally to accommodate more terminals, the invention stacks connection terminals vertically, allowing multiple terminals to be arranged along the thickness direction. This dimensional transition resolves the contradiction by maintaining compact horizontal footprint while providing sufficient terminal capacity for enhanced device functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector is segmented into multiple connection terminals arranged in different directions (first direction parallel to PCB surface, second direction perpendicular to PCB surface). This segmentation allows the connector to distribute terminals across multiple spatial dimensions rather than concentrating them in a single plane, thereby reducing the horizontal area requirement while maintaining the total number of terminals needed for enhanced functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If connectors are enlarged to include more terminals, then the number of connection capabilities is improved, but the design efficiency of the printed circuit board is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection capabilitiesVSAvoiddesign efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

By transitioning from two-dimensional horizontal terminal arrangement to three-dimensional arrangement including vertical stacking, the invention increases connection capabilities without proportionally increasing connector footprint. This efficient use of space maintains PCB design efficiency while providing the required number of connection terminals for enhanced adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the spatial arrangement parameter of connection terminals from planar distribution to volumetric distribution. By utilizing the thickness direction (z-axis) in addition to the horizontal plane, the connector achieves higher terminal density within a compact volume, thereby improving connection capabilities without sacrificing PCB design efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Area of moving object

If a printed circuit board and connection member are integrally configured, then the connector size can be reduced, but the ease of repair deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector sizeVSAvoidrepairability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the connector into a separate connection member that can be independently disposed on the PCB rather than being integrally formed with the board. This segmentation allows the connector to be a replaceable component, improving repairability while maintaining compact dimensions through efficient vertical terminal arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If the number of connection terminals is increased, then the connectivity of the system is improved, but the area occupied by connectors is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveconnectivityVSAvoidconnector area
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention resolves this contradiction by arranging connection terminals in three dimensions rather than limiting them to a two-dimensional plane. Terminals are distributed along both the horizontal direction (parallel to PCB surface) and vertical direction (perpendicular to PCB surface), enabling high connectivity while maintaining minimal horizontal footprint and thus reducing the area occupied by connectors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP4085603B1Electronic device including multiple printed circuit boards
Publication Date: 2024.03.13 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4085603B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4085603B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4085603B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a first printed circuit board having a first surface and a second surface, a second printed circuit board having a first surface and a second surface disposed to be spaced apart from the first printed circuit board, a battery disposed between the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board, a first connection member to electrically connect the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board, and a second connection member to electrically connect the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board, wherein the first connection member and the second connection member may be arranged to at least partially overlap at a portion passing by the battery.