Removable Capacitor Connector for SSD PCB Assembly

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for coupling capacitors to printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs) in SSDs are inefficient, as they often require soldering, which exposes the components to high temperatures and moisture, leading to potential damage and increased assembly time and cost, while also resulting in a larger footprint and inflexible layouts.

Innovation Solution

The use of removably coupled capacitors via connectors such as screws, male blades, or card edge connectors, which allow for surface mount processes that avoid high temperatures and moisture exposure, enabling flexible layouts and easier replacement or adjustment of capacitors, and can be automated to reduce manufacturing time and costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If soldering is used to couple capacitors to PCBA, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but the PCBA is exposed to high temperatures and moisture causing potential damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidtemperature and moisture exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the thermal-moisture-based soldering process with a mechanical connector system that uses physical insertion and latching mechanisms to achieve reliable electrical connections without exposing the PCBA to harmful high temperatures and moisture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a connector as an intermediary component between the capacitor and PCBA, which provides reliable electrical connection through mechanical engagement while isolating the PCBA from direct exposure to assembly process hazards

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If soldering is used to couple capacitors to PCBA, then permanent connection is achieved, but assembly time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection permanenceVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a static, irreversible soldered connection to a dynamic, reversible mechanical connector system that provides stable connection during operation while enabling rapid installation and removal, thereby reducing assembly time and facilitating easy replacement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Quantity of substance

If traditional capacitor placements are used on PCBA, then sufficient capacitor capacity is achieved, but the footprint and layout flexibility increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapacitor capacityVSAvoidPCBA footprint

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent moves capacitor mounting from the planar PCBA surface to a vertical or three-dimensional configuration using connectors that extend perpendicular to the board, thereby achieving sufficient capacitor capacity while minimizing the footprint and improving layout flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS20230216225A1Connector for coupling a capacitor to a printed circuit board assembly

Publication Date: 2023.07.06 MICRON TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

Apparatuses, systems, and methods for coupling a capacitor to a printed circuit board assembly. One example apparatus can include a number of capacitors and a connector coupled to the number of capacitors, the connector configured to removably couple the number of capacitors to a printed circuit board assembly of a solid state drive.