Stacked Board-to-Board Connectors with Biasing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Printed circuit boards often lack sufficient space for direct mounting of electronic components, necessitating a reduction in board size to fit within electronic devices, which can lead to insufficient space for creating necessary electronic connections.
Innovation Solution
The technique involves stacking two sets of connectors atop a single location on a circuit board, utilizing a flexible circuit board to route communication lines and a biasing component like compressible foam or a spring to secure the connectors in place, effectively reducing the space occupied by electronic connectors on the rigid circuit board.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the printed circuit board size is reduced to fit within electronic devices, then the device dimensions are reduced, but the space for creating necessary electronic connections becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar arrangement of connectors to a three-dimensional stacked configuration. Multiple connector sets are arranged vertically along the Z-axis, allowing electrical connections to be established in multiple layers. This dimensional change enables more connections to be made within a smaller footprint area on the circuit board, effectively resolving the contradiction between reduced device size and sufficient connection space.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple sets of connectors are positioned at distinct locations on the circuit board, then each connector has sufficient space, but the overall space occupied on the circuit board increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple connector sets into a single vertical stack at one location on the circuit board. Instead of distributing connectors across different planar positions, they are combined into a compact three-dimensional assembly where multiple male and female connectors are stacked along the vertical axis. This merging reduces the overall footprint area while maintaining the ability to establish multiple independent electrical connections.
3Ease of operation
If the flexible circuit board extends away from the board-to-board connector to reach display devices, then connectivity is achieved, but the extended portion pulls on the connectors without additional securing components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a biasing component that applies a counteracting force to the pulling tension exerted by the extended flexible circuit board. The biasing member, positioned within the connector stack, pushes against the flexible circuit board to maintain proper engagement between connectors. This counterbalancing force compensates for the tensile stress from the extended flex, ensuring reliable electrical connections despite the board's movement or flexing.
4Reliability
If a biasing component is added to secure board-to-board connectors in place, then connector stability is improved, but the space occupied on the circuit board increases
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing component is nested within the existing connector stack structure rather than being positioned separately. The spring or elastic element is housed inside the housing that contains the male and female connectors, utilizing the same vertical space already allocated for the connector assembly. This nesting approach provides the necessary stabilizing force while minimizing additional footprint area on the circuit board.
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 approach allows for a reduction in the size of the circuit board while maintaining secure connections, preventing damage to the connectors and enabling efficient electrical routing between components, thus optimizing space usage within electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing component, such as compressible foam, may be placed over a location of the board-to-board connectors to hold the connectors in place
Implementation Method 2
In some implementations, the spring attaches to a housing or other component of the computing device and pushes down on and contacts its corresponding electronic connector that is mounted to the flexible circuit board
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device including a stacked connector assembly is provided. In some embodiments, the electronic device includes: a first printed circuit board; a first electronic board-to-board connector mounted to the first printed circuit board; a second printed circuit board; a second electronic board-to-board connector mounted to the second printed circuit board and connected to the first electronic board-to-board connector; a first stacked connector mounted to the second printed circuit board; a second stacked connector connected to the first stacked connector; and a biasing member. The biasing member may bias the first board-to-board electronic connector together with the second electronic board-to-board connector, and the first stacked connector together with the second stacked connector.