Power Tap Connector Assembly for Board Space and Trace Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connector systems require separate board-mounted power connectors to power devices, occupying space and necessitating power trace routing, which is inefficient and not fully utilizing the host circuit board's power supply capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A power connector assembly that includes a front interface module for mating with a supply connector assembly and a rear interface module for mounting to a host circuit board, with a power tap module connecting the two, allowing power to be transferred from the supply connector to both the host circuit board and a tap connector assembly, potentially reducing the need for power circuits on the host board.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate board-mounted power connectors are used to power additional devices, then power can be delivered to multiple devices, but space on the host circuit board is occupied and power trace routing is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple power connector functions into a single integrated connector assembly that can simultaneously power the host circuit board and additional devices. The connector includes multiple power contacts that can be connected to different destinations, eliminating the need for separate board-mounted connectors and their associated power traces.
Solution Approach 2:
The power connector assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it can power the host circuit board, power additional devices, or both simultaneously. The connector includes selectable connections that allow flexible power distribution to different destinations, making it a universal power solution that replaces multiple dedicated connectors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate board-mounted power connectors are used, then power can be delivered to multiple devices, but power trace routing between connectors is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates power distribution paths into a single connector assembly with internal power contacts that can be directly connected to power sources and loads. This eliminates the need for complex power trace routing across the circuit board, as all power connections are made through the integrated connector structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the power routing function from the circuit board traces and relocates it to the connector assembly itself. The connector contains dedicated power contacts and internal routing that handles power distribution independently of the circuit board's power trace network, simplifying the overall system.
3Power
If multiple board-mounted power connectors are installed, then power supply capacity is increased, but the host circuit board's power supply capabilities are not fully utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The power connector assembly is designed to fully utilize the host circuit board's power supply capabilities by providing multiple selectable power paths within a single connector. The connector can draw power from the host board and redistribute it to multiple destinations, maximizing the utilization of available power supply capacity without requiring additional connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple power connection functions into a single connector assembly that can simultaneously or selectively power multiple devices. This consolidation maintains or increases power supply capacity while reducing the number of connectors from multiple board-mounted units to a single integrated unit.
Data Source
AI summary
A power connector assembly transferring power between a supply connector assembly and a tap connector assembly includes a front interface module mated with the supply connector assembly and a rear interface module mounted to a host circuit board. The power connector assembly includes a power tap module between the front interface module and the rear interface module having power tap contacts each electrically connected to corresponding front and rear power contacts. Each power tap contact includes a tap interface exterior of the front housing and exterior of the rear housing configured to be terminated to the tap connector assembly. The power tap contact electrically connecting the front power contact and the tap connector assembly to transfer power from the supply connector assembly to the tap connector assembly.