PCB Contact Bridge Layout for Space-Saving Current Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing contact arrangements on printed circuit boards require significant installation space and conductor connections, limiting their application in vehicles with limited space constraints.
Innovation Solution
A contact arrangement with a current measuring device positioned between a current-conducting bridge and the circuit board, utilizing a Hall sensor and ferromagnetic body to measure current indirectly, minimizing space usage and incorporating a fuse for overcurrent protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a current measuring device is added to measure current flowing through main contact terminals, then current measurement capability is improved, but installation space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The current measuring device is positioned in the third dimension (between the current-conducting bridge and the printed circuit board surface) rather than occupying additional surface area. This vertical placement allows current measurement functionality to be added without increasing the footprint on the printed circuit board, effectively resolving the space constraint problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The Hall sensor is integrated within the ferromagnetic body structure, and the entire current measuring device is nested within the existing contact arrangement structure. This nesting approach allows the measurement functionality to be embedded within the existing spatial framework rather than requiring separate dedicated space.
2Reliability
If Hall sensors are used for galvanically isolated current measurement, then measurement safety and isolation are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct electrical contact (mechanical/electrical connection) with magnetic field-based measurement. The Hall sensor detects the magnetic field generated by the current-carrying conductor, enabling galvanically isolated measurement. This substitution of measurement methodology eliminates the need for direct electrical connection while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field serves as an intermediary between the current to be measured and the Hall sensor. Instead of direct electrical contact, the current generates a magnetic field that the Hall sensor detects, providing galvanic isolation. The ferromagnetic body acts as another intermediary to concentrate and guide this magnetic field to the sensor.
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 provides precise, fast power protection with minimal space consumption, enabling robust mechanical connections and accurate current measurement without additional surface area, suitable for high-current applications.
Implementation Method 1
The current measuring device has at least one Hall sensor. The use of Hall sensors for current measurement allows the flowing currents to be measured indirectly, i.e., galvanically isolated, via the magnetic field induced by the current
Implementation Method 2
By focusing the magnetic field, the influence of other components on the circuit board that generate magnetic fields can be eliminated. The magnetic flux is concentrated on the Hall sensor(s). The magnetic field within the space provided by the ferromagnetic body for the Hall sensor(s) is particularly strong
Data Source
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AI summary
A contact arrangement (11) on a printed circuit board (10) with two main contact terminals (12, 13) connected via a current-conducting bridge (14) and with a current measuring device (15) for measuring at least the current flowing via the main contact terminals (12, 13), wherein the current measuring device (15) is arranged below the bridge (14).