PCB Pinout Power Module Packaging Without Pin Soldering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional plastic-packaged power modules have a large volume and complex pin soldering processes, leading to increased costs, reduced reliability, and thermal shock issues due to the need for separate moldings and reflow soldering techniques.

Innovation Solution

A PCB-pinout based packaged module design where surface-layer copper etching patterns on the PCB expose pins outside the module, allowing for direct communication and eliminating the need for separate pin soldering, thus simplifying the pin disposing process and reducing module volume.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional plastic packaging with separate pin assembly is used, then the module provides complete packaging protection, but the module volume increases and the pin soldering process becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackaging protectionVSAvoidmodule volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the pin assembly process with the plastic packaging process by integrating pins directly into the mold cavity during injection molding. This eliminates the need for separate pin assembly and soldering operations, reducing module volume while maintaining packaging protection through the unified plastic encapsulation structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The plastic packaging material serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical protection, electrical insulation, and direct pin integration. The mold cavity design allows the plastic to form both the protective housing and the pin mounting structure, eliminating the need for separate pin assemblies and reducing overall module volume.

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

2Strength

If reflow soldering is used to assemble pins, then the pins are securely connected, but the module is subject to thermal shock and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepin connection strengthVSAvoidthermal shock resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the thermal reflow soldering process with a mechanical injection molding process. Pins are mechanically integrated into the plastic packaging through the mold cavity, eliminating exposure to thermal shock from reflow soldering while maintaining secure connections through the molded mechanical interlock.

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

3Manufacturing precision

If separate molds are opened for pin assembly, then the pins can be precisely manufactured, but the processing process becomes complex and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepin manufacturing precisionVSAvoidprocessing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple molding operations into a single injection molding process. The mold cavity is designed to form both the plastic packaging housing and the pin structures simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate pin assembly molds and reducing processing complexity while maintaining manufacturing precision through integrated tooling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If pins are assembled separately and soldered, then the connection is established, but the assembly process requires special fixtures and increases time consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs pin integration during the initial injection molding process rather than as a subsequent assembly step. Pins are pre-positioned and integrated into the plastic packaging structure before final module assembly, eliminating the need for special fixtures and reducing assembly time while maintaining connection reliability through the molded joint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 results in a smaller, more reliable, and cost-effective power module with improved power density by eliminating the need for complex pin soldering and reducing module size, while maintaining effective heat dissipation and assembly density.

Implementation Method 1

a copper etching pattern that is exposed outside the packaged module, wherein the power component is communicatively connected to a pin on one side of the first surface or one side of the second surface of the PCB through the copper etching pattern of the PCB

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP3869551B1Encapsulation module based on pins of PCB body and preparation method therefor
Publication Date: 2024.03.20 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3869551B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3869551B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3869551B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

This application relates to the field of power supply packaging technologies, and in particular, to a PCB-pinout based packaged module, including a packaged module and a pin exposed outside the packaged module. The packaged module includes a PCB and a power component. The PCB has a first surface and a second surface that are disposed opposite to each other, and the power component is disposed on the first surface or the second surface of the PCB. The power component performs communication connection with a pin located on one side of the first surface or one side of the second surface of the PCB through surface-layer copper of the PCB. The pin located on one side of the first surface or one side of the second surface of the PCB is a surface-layer copper etching pattern that is located on the PCB and that is exposed outside the packaged module. The packaged module has a small volume, and this avoids a complex pin soldering process after packaging.