PCB Shielding Layer for Electronic Device Weight Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing compact electronic devices with a display and electronics module in a common housing face challenges due to the weight and thickness added by the display housing, which serves as electromagnetic shielding, and require redesigns for different display modules, complicating production and compatibility.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an electromagnetic interference shielding layer as the first layer of the printed circuit board facing the display module, eliminating the need for an additional display housing by providing shielding directly on the printed circuit board, and using adaptable mounting means to accommodate varying display module sizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a display housing is used to provide electromagnetic shielding between the display module and electronics module, then electromagnetic interference protection is improved, but the weight and thickness of the device increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic interference protectionVSAvoiddevice weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the electromagnetic shielding function with the printed circuit board structure by making the first layer of the PCB itself serve as the shielding layer. This integration eliminates the need for a separate display housing for shielding purposes, thereby reducing overall device weight while maintaining electromagnetic interference protection between the display module and electronics module.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The first layer of the printed circuit board performs multiple functions: it serves as both the structural base for mounting electronic components and as the electromagnetic interference shielding layer. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional dedicated shielding structures, reducing weight while maintaining protection.

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

2Reliability

If a display housing is used to provide electromagnetic shielding, then electromagnetic interference protection is improved, but the thickness of the device increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic interference protectionVSAvoiddevice thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnetic shielding function is merged into the printed circuit board's first layer, eliminating the need for a separate display housing structure dedicated to shielding. This integration significantly reduces the overall thickness of the device while maintaining effective electromagnetic interference protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a thin conductive layer (copper or copper alloy) as the first layer of the printed circuit board to provide electromagnetic shielding. This thin film approach achieves effective shielding without adding significant thickness to the device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Stability of the object's composition

If mounting holes are provided in the display housing for mounting the display module, then the display module can be securely mounted, but redesign is required for different display modules complicating production

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay module mounting stabilityVSAvoidproduction flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The printed circuit board is designed with universal mounting capabilities that can accommodate different display module sizes and configurations. The first layer serves as both shielding and mounting surface, allowing flexible attachment of various display modules without requiring redesign of the housing structure for different applications.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting structure is designed to be adaptable rather than fixed, allowing the same PCB structure to accommodate different display module configurations. This dynamic design approach enables production flexibility while maintaining secure mounting stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This design reduces the overall weight and thickness of the device, simplifies module exchanges, and adheres to safety regulations, particularly beneficial for applications like aircraft flight attendant panels.

Implementation Method 1

the first layer (29) forms an electromagnetic interference shielding between the display module (5) and the electronics module (3)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic interference shielding: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentEP2739126B1Electronic device
Publication Date: 2021.06.30 AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
  • EP2739126B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2739126B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2739126B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to an electronic device comprising a display module and an electronics module that are arranged in a common housing, wherein the common housing is completed by a front cover, wherein the display module is arranged directly adjacent to the front cover, wherein the electronics module comprises a printed circuit board having multiple layers and a plurality of electronic components attached to the printed circuit board, wherein the electronics module is arranged adjacent to the display module and wherein the printed circuit board comprises a first layer and a second layer delimiting the printed circuit board on opposing sides, characterized in that the first layer is an electromagnetic interference shielding layer and the first layer is arranged facing the display module.