Power Contact Integrating Circuit Board and Peripheral Power Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connector assemblies require multiple power connectors on circuit boards, occupying valuable space and increasing board size, which is inefficient for powering both the circuit board and peripheral devices.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector assembly with a connector housing that includes power contacts extending between mating and terminating ends, featuring spring beams for power-in and contact tails for power-out, with a power take-off tab for a separable cable plug interface, allowing direct power distribution from the connector to the circuit board and peripherals, reducing the need for additional power connectors on the board.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power connectors are mounted on the circuit board to supply power to both the circuit board and peripheral devices, then the power supply capability is improved, but the circuit board area occupied increases and valuable space is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple power connector functions into a single integrated power connector assembly. The first power contact supplies power to the circuit board while the second power contact supplies power to peripheral devices, merging what would traditionally require separate connectors into one unified component that mounts to a single connector footprint on the circuit board.
Solution Approach 2:
The power connector assembly is designed to perform multiple functions through its multiple power contacts. A single power connector provides both circuit board power supply and peripheral device power supply capabilities, making the connector universal for multiple power distribution needs rather than requiring specialized separate connectors for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional power connectors are added to the circuit board for peripheral devices, then the power distribution functionality is improved, but the overall circuit board size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple power distribution functions into a single compact power connector assembly that maintains a consistent footprint. By integrating multiple power contacts within one connector body, the design provides enhanced power distribution functionality without extending the circuit board dimensions.
3Reliability
If multiple separate power connectors are used on the circuit board, then the power supply reliability is improved through redundancy, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple power supply functions into a single integrated connector assembly, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability. Instead of managing multiple separate connectors and their associated mounting and wiring complexity, the integrated design provides multiple power paths through a unified structure that is simpler to implement and maintain.
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 solution reduces the number of connection interfaces on the circuit board, minimizing its size and allowing more components to be mounted, while providing a reliable and cost-effective power supply to both the board and peripherals through the electrical connector assembly.
Implementation Method 1
The power contact includes spring beams at the mating end. Each spring beam is independently deflectable and includes a power-in contact interface configured to be coupled to a mating power contact of a mating connector.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector includes a connector housing having a mating end configured to be mated with a mating connector and a mounting end configured to be mounted to a circuit board. The connector housing includes a receptacle at the mating end receiving the mating connector. The electrical connector includes power contacts held by the connector housing extending between a mating end having a power-in contact interface configured to be coupled to the mating connector and a terminating end having a power-out circuit board interface configured to be coupled to the circuit board. Each power contact includes a power take-off between the mating end and the terminating end having a power-out cable plug interface configured to be electrically connected to a cable plug.