Slidable Connector Substrate Assembly for Laptop Chassis
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Solution Overview
Problem
In laptop PCs, the limited space and inclined side surfaces pose challenges for connector placement, leading to interference with connector holes and the need for additional substrates and cables, increasing costs and complexity in assembly.
Innovation Solution
A connector-substrate assembly where the connector is slidably supported to project outwardly from the substrate, allowing it to be positioned and inserted into connector holes without additional substrates or cables, using elastic holding portions and a guide groove for accurate alignment and fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the connector is mounted on the main substrate and the substrate is inserted from an obliquely transverse direction, then the connector tip can be inserted into the connector hole, but the connector interferes with the frame portion of the connector hole in the other side surface
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed to be slidable relative to the substrate, transitioning from a retracted position during substrate insertion to a projected position after insertion. This dynamic movement allows the connector to avoid interfering with the frame portion during assembly while achieving proper connection alignment afterward.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is positioned in a retracted state before substrate insertion to prevent interference with the frame portion. This preliminary positioning ensures smooth assembly, and the connector is then moved to its operational position after the substrate is securely inserted into the chassis.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a small substrate and relay cable are used to mount the connector on the other side surface, then the connector interference problem is resolved, but the number of parts and assembling processes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is directly integrated onto the main substrate rather than using a separate small substrate. This merging eliminates the need for additional relay cables and relay connectors, reducing the total number of parts while maintaining the ability to resolve frame portion interference through the slidable mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The main substrate is designed to accommodate the connector directly, serving multiple functions: supporting the connector, providing electrical connections, and enabling the connector's sliding movement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate small substrates and relay cables.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a small substrate and relay cable are used, then the connector can be mounted on both sides, but the space of the main substrate is constrained within the secured space
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the connector directly onto the main substrate and eliminating the need for separate small substrates and relay cables, the overall space requirement is reduced. This merging allows more efficient utilization of the main substrate area while maintaining dual-side connector mounting capability.
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 parts and simplifies the assembly process by eliminating the need for small substrates and relay cables, while ensuring proper connector placement on both sides of the chassis without interference, thus enhancing space utilization and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
holding portions elastically and slidably holding a first surface and a second surface of the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A connectorâ‹…substrate assembly can be disposed at a position where a tip portion of the connector is inserted into a connector hole simply and at a low cost without using an additional small substrate, an additional relay cable, and the like; an electronic device; and a method for assembling the same are provided. A connector is supported so as to be slidable with respect to a substrate, from a preparation position to a mounting position, and the tip of the connector projects outwardly from a right side of an end portion of the substrate at least at the mounting position. A chassis has a connector hole in the side surface. The connector does not interfere with a frame portion of the connector hole at the preparation position and the substrate can be properly attached to the chassis. The tip of the connector enters the connector hole at the mounting position. By slidably supporting the connector as described above, a small substrate, a relay cable, and the like become unnecessary, so that a reduction in the number of parts and simplification of an assembling process are achieved.