PCB Side Surface Plated Apertures for Component Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printed circuit boards (PCBs) face limitations in connectivity, particularly on their shorter sides, which restrict the integration of electrical components and hinder efficient access and connection to on-board functionality.
Innovation Solution
The PCB design incorporates plated apertures and holes along its side surfaces, providing electrical connectivity and allowing for the placement of electrical components, such as pins, leads, and connectors, which can form press-fit or soldered connections, enhancing connectivity and integration of components on all sides of the board.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electrical components are connected only to major sides of the PCB, then the connection structure is simple, but the connectivity and integration of electrical components are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends connectivity from the traditional two major surfaces to include side surfaces of the PCB by defining plated apertures along the side surfaces. This dimensional expansion allows electrical components to be connected to all four sides of the board, significantly improving connectivity and integration without fundamentally complicating the connection structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The side surface of the PCB is segmented into multiple plated apertures distributed along the perimeter. Each aperture provides an independent connection point, allowing electrical components to be strategically placed and connected at various locations along the side surfaces, thereby enhancing overall connectivity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If plated apertures are added along side surfaces, then connectivity is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The plated aperture fabrication process is extended to side surfaces using standard PCB manufacturing techniques. The side surface plating is achieved by positioning the PCB at appropriate angles during the electroplating process, allowing the same manufacturing equipment and methods to be used without requiring entirely new fabrication capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs universal PCB manufacturing processes (drilling, plating, etching) that are already established in the industry. The plated apertures on side surfaces use the same materials and methods as traditional through-hole and surface-mount connections, making the manufacturing process scalable and compatible with existing production lines.
3Area of stationary object
If electrical components are placed on all sides of the PCB, then space utilization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the previously underutilized side surfaces of the PCB as additional mounting areas for electrical components. By placing components along the perimeter edges rather than only on the large face areas, the effective usable space of the PCB is significantly increased without adding vertical layers or complex three-dimensional structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The PCB is effectively segmented into multiple functional zones: top surface, bottom surface, and four side surfaces. Each zone can independently host electrical components, allowing for modular component placement and simplified routing strategies that reduce overall system complexity despite the increased number of connection points.
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 enhances the integration of circuitry, reduces the size of electronics devices, and improves connectivity between electrical components, enabling more efficient use of PCB space and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the printed circuit board provides electrical connectivity to the plated aperture
Implementation Method 2
the plated hole provides an electrical connection between the plated aperture and at least one of the electrical components
Data Source
AI summary
An electronics device, including: a printed circuit board having a first surface, a second surface opposite the first major surface, and a plurality of side surfaces disposed along a periphery of and between the first and second surfaces, each of the side surfaces being smaller in area than the first and second surfaces; and a plurality of electrical components coupled to the printed circuit board along the first surface thereof, at least some of the plurality of electrical components being electrically coupled together via the printed circuit board. The printed circuit board includes a plated aperture defined in the printed circuit board along a side surface thereof. The printed circuit board provides electrical connectivity to the plated aperture.