Parallel Measuring Resistor Circuit for Fault Detection in PCB Housing Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing circuit arrangements can only verify if all connections between printed circuit boards and housings are correctly connected, but cannot determine if one or more connections are faulty.
Innovation Solution
The connections are configured in parallel, with each connection assigned a measuring resistor, allowing the total resistance to be measured to determine the number of established electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If connections are configured in series with a single measuring resistor, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates because it cannot determine whether one or more connections are faulty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement function into multiple independent measuring resistors (R1, R2, R3, etc.), each assigned to a specific connection point. This segmentation allows the system to measure each connection individually while maintaining a relatively simple overall circuit structure, resolving the contradiction between device complexity and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces measuring resistors as intermediary elements between the voltage source and the connection points. These resistors serve as mediators that convert connection status into measurable voltage drops, enabling precise fault detection without significantly increasing circuit complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple measuring resistors are assigned to each connection in parallel, then the measurement precision is improved to identify faulty connections, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement function by assigning one measuring resistor to each connection point in parallel. This allows individual measurement of each connection while maintaining a relatively simple parallel circuit structure, avoiding excessive complexity increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by measuring voltage drops across each measuring resistor and using this information to determine connection status. The measurement results provide feedback about the state of each connection, enabling precise fault detection without requiring complex analysis circuits.
3Ease of manufacture
If a series circuit with a single measuring resistor is used, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the loss of information occurs because fault location cannot be determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement function by assigning one measuring resistor to each connection point. This segmentation preserves fault location information while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes, as each resistor can be independently installed and measured.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-service measurement where each measuring resistor independently provides information about its associated connection. The system uses the inherent electrical properties of the connections themselves to provide measurement data, eliminating the need for complex external testing equipment.
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
Enables the identification of faulty connections by measuring the total resistance, providing a clear indication of the number of correctly made electrical connections.
Implementation Method 1
By measuring the total resistance, one can determine how many of the electrical connections are made
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The arrangement has a junction that is formed as an electrical switch between a circuit board (1) and a housing (3). The electrical switch is inserted into an electric circuit, where the circuit is closed during correct connection. A measuring resistor (11) is provided in the electric circuit and is assigned to each electrically conductive ring (9). The ring is divided into two electrical contacts that are interconnected with each other in a series circuit. The circuit is closable between the circuit board and the housing by a connecting unit (2) i.e. screw or rivet.