Multi-PCB Connector Layout Using Dual-Sided FPCB Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of connection terminals on printed circuit boards due to multiple electronic components leads to larger connectors, reducing design efficiency and potentially increasing manufacturing costs and complicating repairs.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves electrically connecting multiple printed circuit boards through flexible printed circuit boards, distributing connectors on both surfaces of the boards to manage terminal size and reducing interference, while using reinforcing tapes and buffer members to prevent damage and enhance stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If more connection terminals are included on printed circuit boards to support more electronic components, then the functionality and usage hours of the electronic device are improved, but the size of connectors increases, reducing design efficiency and increasing manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the printed circuit board into multiple separate boards (first PCB, second PCB, third PCB) distributed at different locations within the electronic device. Each PCB has its own connectors with fewer terminals, avoiding the need for a single large connector. This segmentation allows the system to support more electronic components while keeping individual connector sizes manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-plane connector arrangement to a three-dimensional distributed arrangement of multiple PCBs at different locations. Connection terminals are distributed across multiple boards in space rather than concentrated on one board, effectively using spatial dimensionality to resolve the contradiction between terminal count and connector size.
2Adaptability or versatility
If connectors are made larger to include more terminals, then more electronic components can be connected, but the area available for component arrangement on the printed circuit board decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into multiple PCBs, each with smaller connectors, the patent eliminates the need for large connectors that would consume valuable board area. The segmentation distributes connection terminals across multiple locations, preserving component arrangement area on each individual PCB while maintaining overall connectivity capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the connection terminal arrangement from a two-dimensional constraint on a single PCB to a three-dimensional distributed arrangement across multiple PCBs at different locations. This dimensional transition allows more terminals to be accommodated without increasing the area occupied on any single board.
3Ease of manufacture
If a printed circuit board and connection member are integrally configured to remove the connector, then manufacturing cost may be reduced, but the ease of repair deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains separation between the PCB and connection members as distinct components rather than integrating them into a single unit. This segmentation allows connectors to be removed and replaced independently, significantly improving repairability while keeping manufacturing processes straightforward for each separate component.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is an electronic device comprising: a printed circuit board, PCB (210, 730, 830, 930), including a first connector (211, 731) disposed on a first surface (210A, 730A, 830A, 930A) of the PCB (210, 730, 830, 930) to be connected with a first flexible printed circuit board (310, 710, 810, 910) and a second connector (212, 732) disposed on a second surface (210B, 730B, 830B, 930B) of the PCB (210, 730, 830, 930) opposite to the first surface (210A, 730A, 830A, 930A) to be connected with a second flexible printed circuit board (320, 720, 820, 920). The first flexible printed circuit board, FPCB (310, 710, 810, 910), extending in a direction such that the first FPCB (310, 710, 810, 910) is connected between the printed circuit board (210, 730, 830, 930) and one or more additional printed circuit boards using at least the first connector (211, 731). The second flexible printed circuit board, FPCB (320, 720, 820, 920), extending in a direction such that the second FPCB (320, 720, 820, 920) is connected between the printed circuit board (210, 730, 830, 930) and one or more additional printed circuit boards using at least the second connector (212, 732). A portion of the PCB (210, 730, 830, 930) is disposed between the first connector (211, 731) and the second connector (212, 732).