Printed Circuit Board Electronic Display Version Information

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional printed circuit boards rely on paper labels for version information, which are prone to human error and require manual updates, leading to inaccuracies and delays in maintaining up-to-date information, especially in safety-critical environments.

Innovation Solution

Integration of an electronic display, such as electronic paper, on the printed circuit board to store and display version information, allowing for remote updates and periodic refreshes, ensuring accurate and timely information without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If paper labels are used for version information, then the printed circuit board can be manufactured with simple labeling, but human error and manual updates lead to inaccuracies and delays

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelabeling simplicityVSAvoidversion information accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical paper labeling system with an electronic display system that is electrically connected to the printed circuit board. The electronic display automatically receives and displays version information from the board's memory, eliminating manual labeling operations and human error while maintaining ease of manufacture through automated integration during PCB production.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic display system enables the printed circuit board to self-display its version information without requiring external manual intervention. The board's memory stores version data that is automatically transmitted to and displayed on the electronic display, allowing the system to maintain accurate information autonomously without human error or manual updates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of manufacture

If paper labels are manually updated, then the labeling process can be simple, but site visits are required causing delays in updating version information

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelabel update simplicityVSAvoidupdate delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical label updating with an automated electronic display system that can be remotely updated. The electronic display is electrically connected to the printed circuit board and can receive version information updates through electrical signals, eliminating the need for physical site visits and manual label replacement, thereby reducing update time and enabling remote maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Extent of automation

If electronic display is integrated on the printed circuit board, then version information can be updated remotely without site visits, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote update capabilityVSAvoiddisplay integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic display integrated on the printed circuit board serves multiple functions: it displays version information stored in the board's memory, provides remote update capability, and can be powered by the board's existing power supply. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by consolidating several functions into a single integrated component, enabling remote automation without requiring separate dedicated systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Quantity of substance

If paper labels are used, then the initial cost is low, but maintaining accurate and up-to-date information requires continuous manual intervention

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelabel material costVSAvoidinformation up-to-date status
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces inexpensive but unreliable paper labels with an electronic display system that automatically displays version information from the printed circuit board's memory. Although the initial cost is higher, the system eliminates the need for continuous manual intervention and ensures information remains accurate and up-to-date through automated updates, providing long-term reliability that outweighs the initial material cost savings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4530831A1Printed circuit board
Publication Date: 2025.04.02 OTIS ELEVATOR CO
  • EP4530831A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4530831A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4530831A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A printed circuit board (100) with an electronic display (102) wherein the printed circuit board (100) is arranged to provide version information to the electronic display (102); and wherein the electronic display (102) is arranged to receive and display the version information.