Blocking Block Prevents Misplacement in PCB Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
In large motherboards with numerous similar PCB connectors, there is a risk of daughter boards being incorrectly plugged into non-intended areas, leading to system failures due to similar connectors having different contact assignments for AMCs and Multitongue AMCs.
Innovation Solution
A blocking block with locking tabs and window-like recesses is inserted between printed circuit board connectors, preventing incorrect plugging by engaging with longitudinal ribs and transverse ribs, ensuring only intended plug-in units can be connected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple similar PCB connectors are arranged on the motherboard to accommodate different daughter boards, then the system can support multiple connection types (AMC and Multitongue AMC), but the risk of incorrect plugging increases due to the similarity of connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing distinct blocking structures at specific locations between connectors. The blocking blocks have different configurations (e.g., different numbers of blocking elements, different positions) at local areas between adjacent connectors, creating unique identification patterns that prevent incorrect plugging while maintaining overall connector similarity for different connection types.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking blocks serve as intermediary elements between the connectors and the daughter boards. These blocking structures physically prevent insertion of incompatible daughter boards by occupying space in the plug-in path, acting as a mediator that enforces correct connector-daughter board pairing without requiring the connectors themselves to be fundamentally different.
2Reliability
If blocking structures are added between connectors to prevent incorrect plugging, then plugging reliability improves, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking structure is segmented into multiple independent blocking blocks positioned between adjacent connectors. Each blocking block is a separate, simple element that can be independently manufactured and positioned. This segmentation allows the complex function of preventing multiple types of incorrect plugging to be achieved through simple, modular components rather than a single complex blocking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking blocks introduce asymmetric features into the otherwise symmetric arrangement of connectors. By positioning blocking elements at specific asymmetric locations (e.g., only between certain connector pairs, or with different offsets), the system creates unique plugging paths for different connector types while maintaining the overall simplicity of the connector design.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
To prevent the incorrect insertion of several daughter circuit boards (2) grouped into a plug-in unit (20) into corresponding circuit board connectors (3) on a parent circuit board (1), it is proposed that a blocking block (10) which is locked in a space between two circuit board connectors (3) spaced at a regular plug-in distance and in window-like recesses (4) effectively prevents the plug-in unit (20).