Offset Printed Circuit Board for Lightning Connector Accessories
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Solution Overview
Problem
The Apple Lightning connector's unique design poses challenges for accessory devices, requiring innovative solutions to ensure secure attachment, efficient use of space, and integration of advanced features like microUSB connectors and contactless capabilities while maintaining compatibility with various devices.
Innovation Solution
The development of Apple Lightning accessory devices with a microUSB connector, smartcard/NFC circuitry, and antennas, featuring a printed circuit board with offset design to accommodate taller components and ensure secure attachment, along with a housing that includes relief patterns for retention, and the use of contactless radio technology for communication without physical contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the connector extends deeper into the device to reduce external footprint, then the external area is reduced, but the internal space for components becomes constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent offsets the printed circuit board along the longitudinal axis of the connector, utilizing the depth dimension created by the extended connector. This allows taller components to be positioned on the offset portion of the board, effectively converting the constrained internal space into usable component mounting area without increasing external footprint.
2Adaptability or versatility
If taller components are integrated into the accessory device to enhance functionality, then the device capabilities are improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The printed circuit board is divided into two distinct portions: a first portion with a standard profile for basic components, and a second offset portion with extended height for taller components. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized independently, reducing the overall manufacturing precision requirements while enabling diverse component integration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the printed circuit board is offset to accommodate taller components, then component integration is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The printed circuit board features an asymmetric design with an offset second portion that is laterally displaced relative to the first portion. This asymmetric configuration allows taller components to be mounted on the offset portion while maintaining a standard profile on the first portion, enabling component accommodation without requiring complex three-dimensional board structures.
Data Source
AI summary
A Lightning connector compatible accessory device includes circuitry that is completely enveloped by a mobile device when the accessory device is inserted in a Lightning connector. The accessory device may include a microUSB connector on one end of a printed circuit board. The printed circuit board may be offset in a housing.