Multi-Plane PCB Connector for Straight Plug-in Boards
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic circuits with multiple printed circuit boards stacked vertically face challenges in connecting plug-in boards without a stepped edge, as existing standardized connector devices require the plug-in board to project beyond the lower connector, leading to mechanical damage and increased production costs for boards with different dimensions.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves a configuration where two connector devices, each in electrical contact with a printed circuit board, are arranged to receive a plug-in board with a straight edge, eliminating the need for a stepped edge by adapting the connector devices rather than the plug-in board, allowing for identical dimensions and reduced production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standardized connector devices are used to connect plug-in boards to multiple printed circuit boards, then electrical contact is achieved, but the plug-in board requires a stepped edge which increases manufacturing complexity and reduces mechanical protection
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of modifying the plug-in board to have a stepped edge to adapt to the connector devices, the invention inverts the approach by making the connector devices adaptable to the standard straight-edged plug-in board. The first connector device is configured to accommodate the straight edge and establish electrical contact with both printed circuit boards, eliminating the need for a stepped edge on the plug-in board.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector devices are designed with adjustable parameters including the distance between the first and second connector devices, which can be adapted to match the spacing of different plug-in boards. This flexibility allows standardized connector devices to work with various plug-in board configurations without requiring modified plug-in board edges.
2Ease of operation
If a stepped edge is provided on the plug-in board to engage with connector devices on both printed circuit boards, then connection is enabled, but mechanical protection is reduced and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention reverses the conventional approach by not modifying the plug-in board edge but instead configuring the connector devices to accommodate the standard straight edge. This preserves the mechanical integrity of the plug-in board while enabling connection to multiple printed circuit boards.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector device is designed with multi-functionality to establish electrical contact with both the first and second printed circuit boards while accommodating a standard straight-edged plug-in board. This universal design eliminates the need for specialized stepped edges and provides consistent mechanical protection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different dimensions are used for plug-in boards to accommodate stepped edges, then connection compatibility is achieved, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector device is designed as a universal interface that can accommodate standard straight-edged plug-in boards of different dimensions. The first connector device and second connector device work together to provide connection compatibility across various plug-in board configurations without requiring customized stepped edges, thereby reducing production costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for parameter changes in the connector device configuration, particularly the distance between the first and second connector devices, to adapt to different plug-in board spacings. This flexibility maintains connection compatibility while using standardized, cost-effective straight-edged plug-in boards.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic circuit has at least one first printed circuit board extending in a first plane, and at least one second printed circuit board extending in a second plane that extends in parallel to, and outside of, the first plane, and also has at least one first connector device, in electrical contact with the first printed circuit board, and a second connector device, in electrical contact with the second printed circuit board and arranged on a second printed circuit board side facing away from the first printed circuit board, both connector devices being designed together to receive an associated plug-in board and to electrically contact this plug-in board using both printed circuit boards, the first connector device being arranged, at least in part, on a second plane side facing away from the first printed circuit board.