Overlapping Circuit Board Unit for Signal Interconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, the existing methods of connecting circuit boards with harnesses or FFCs limit cost reduction and space savings, and result in poor workability due to visibility issues with connectors on lower boards.
Innovation Solution
A circuit board unit configuration where the first circuit board and second circuit board are disposed overlapping each other, with the second circuit board covering the connector outlet of the first circuit board, allowing signal input and output through inter circuit board connectors without using harnesses or FFCs, enhancing workability and space utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If circuit boards are connected using harnesses or FFCs, then electrical connections between circuit boards can be established, but cost reduction and space saving are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the harnesses and FFCs from the circuit board connection system, replacing them with direct PCB-to-PCB connectors mounted on the circuit boards themselves. This removal of intermediate connection components simplifies the overall structure while maintaining reliable electrical connections between the first and second circuit boards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the connection function directly into the circuit boards by mounting connectors on the PCB surfaces. The first connector on the first circuit board and the second connector on the second circuit board are integrated into the board structures, eliminating the need for separate harnesses or FFCs and reducing overall system complexity.
2Area of stationary object
If the first circuit board is placed under the second circuit board, then space is saved, but workability deteriorates due to poor visibility of the connector on the first circuit board
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a horizontal side-by-side arrangement to a vertical stacked arrangement of circuit boards. By placing the first circuit board underneath the second circuit board and using through-PCB connectors that extend vertically, the design achieves compact space utilization while maintaining connector accessibility through the vertical dimension.
Solution Approach 2:
The connectors are designed and positioned in advance during PCB fabrication, with connector outlets and insertion portions pre-configured on the circuit boards. This preliminary arrangement ensures that even in the stacked configuration, the connectors remain accessible and alignable without requiring complex assembly operations.
3Volume of moving object
If circuit boards are disposed overlapping with each other, then space-saving is achieved, but connector visibility and workability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested configuration where the first circuit board is positioned within the vertical space occupied by the second circuit board. The connectors are designed to protrude from the PCB surfaces in a nested arrangement, allowing the first connector to be accessible from the bottom side while the second connector is accessible from the top side, maintaining visibility and workability despite the overlapping layout.
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit board unit is disclosed, which includes a first circuit board having a first signal connector and an inter circuit board connector, the first signal connector and the inter circuit board connector being configured to be capable of outputting a first signal; and a second circuit board having a second signal connector configured to be capable of outputting a second signal. In a connector inserting and pulling direction of the first signal connector, the first circuit board and the second circuit board are disposed overlapping with each other such that the second circuit board covers a connector outlet of the first circuit connector.