Multiport Power Transmission Apparatus Layout Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of designing smart power extension cords with multiple sockets is increased due to the need for detecting load power values and managing heat generated by live and neutral lines, which can cause interference and damage to the PCB.
Innovation Solution
A multiport power transmission apparatus with a PCB, sockets, switching modules, metal cross-lines, a neutral-line metal bar, and a live-line metal bar, where the metal cross-lines are strategically positioned to prevent interference and heat accumulation, using gaps and bent portions to enhance heat dissipation and reduce layout complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sockets are equipped on the smart power extension cord, then the functionality and versatility are improved, but the layout design complexity and PCB area requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power transmission paths into separate dedicated metal bars (live-line metal bar and neutral-line metal bar) rather than using shared PCB traces. This segmentation allows each power line to be independently routed and managed, reducing layout complexity while supporting multiple sockets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from planar PCB trace routing to three-dimensional spatial arrangement by positioning metal bars in specific spatial relationships (live-line metal bar between sockets and neutral-line metal bar, with orthogonal projections intersecting but not contacting). This dimensional approach simplifies the layout by eliminating trace crossing problems.
2Reliability
If larger space is reserved on the PCB for wiring live and neutral lines, then the electrical safety and current handling capacity are improved, but the PCB area and layout complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power transmission function from the PCB substrate by using separate metal bars for live and neutral lines. This removes the burden of routing high-current traces on the PCB, allowing the PCB to focus on control and signal functions while the metal bars handle power transmission, thus reducing PCB area requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces metal cross-lines as intermediary elements that connect the metal bars to the socket terminals. These cross-lines provide a dedicated path for power connection without requiring large PCB traces, effectively mediating between the power transmission requirements and the PCB layout constraints.
3Ease of manufacture
If the live line and neutral line are directly soldered on the PCB surface, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the heat generated may cause PCB deformation and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the high-current power transmission function from the PCB by using separate metal bars that are soldered to terminal blocks rather than directly to PCB traces. This separation prevents the PCB from being exposed to high currents and associated heat, eliminating the risk of PCB deformation while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized soldering processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces terminal blocks as intermediary components between the metal bars and the PCB. These terminal blocks serve as heat sinks and connection points, allowing the metal bars to be soldered without directly transferring heat to the PCB, thus protecting the PCB from heat-induced damage while maintaining ease of assembly.
4Device complexity
If traces between components cross the live or neutral lines, then the component layout flexibility is improved, but the signal interference and electrical safety are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power transmission paths into dedicated metal bars that are spatially separated from signal traces on the PCB. By positioning the live-line metal bar between the sockets and the neutral-line metal bar, and using metal cross-lines for connections, the design creates distinct zones that prevent signal traces from crossing power lines, eliminating interference issues while maintaining layout flexibility.
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
The solution simplifies the layout design, prevents PCB damage from heat, and enhances electrical safety by effectively managing heat dissipation and reducing interference between components.
Implementation Method 1
A first terminal of each of the metal cross-lines is electrically connected with the neutral-line pin of a corresponding socket among the sockets through the solder side
Implementation Method 2
A larger space and area have to be reserved on the PCB of the smart power extension cord for wiring a live line, a neutral line and a ground line, and thus, during the aforementioned components are laid out, traces between certain components have to cross the live line or the neutral line. Besides, a large current flowing through the live line the neutral line and heat generated thereby may cause interference to the signals on traces between the components
Implementation Method 3
The live-line metal bar is located between an orthogonal projection pattern of each of the sockets on the solder side and the neutral-line metal bar
Data Source
AI summary
A multiport power transmission apparatus is provided. The multiport power transmission apparatus includes a PCB, sockets, switching modules, metal cross-lines, a neutral-line metal bar, and a live-line metal bar. The sockets and the switching modules are disposed on a component side of the PCB. The neutral-line metal bar and the live-line metal bar are disposed on a solder side of the PCB. The live-line metal bar is disposed between an orthogonal projection pattern of each socket and the neutral-line metal bar. A power input pin of each switching module is connected to the live-line metal bar through the solder side. A power-output pin of each switching module is connected to a live pin of a corresponding socket through the solder side. Two terminals of each metal cross-line are respectively connected to a neutral pin of a corresponding socket and the neutral-line metal bar through the solder side.