Vertical Surface Mount USB Connector with Flexible Cable Routing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current USB devices and system-in-a-package (SIP) designs face challenges in efficiently routing signals between substrate sections while ensuring electrical safety and mechanical stability, particularly in compact form factors like mobile devices and removable storage devices.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a flexible cable connecting two substrate sections with a surface-mounted connector and semiconductor die stack, using mold compound layers for insulation and mechanical stability, and bonding wires for electrical connections, allowing for signal propagation and secure mounting of pins.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a flexible cable connects two substrate sections with a surface-mounted connector, then signal routing efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal routing efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into two separate substrate sections (first substrate section and second substrate section) connected by a flexible cable. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each substrate while maintaining efficient signal routing through the cable connection, resolving the contradiction between routing efficiency and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If mold compound layers are used for insulation and mechanical stability, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical safetyVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Mold compound layers are applied over the flexible cable and connector components to create a composite structure that provides both electrical insulation and mechanical stability. This composite material approach consolidates multiple functions (insulation, protection, structural support) into a single material layer, reducing the need for precise manufacturing tolerances while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Adaptability or versatility

If bonding wires are used for electrical connections, then connectivity is improved, but vulnerability to damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectivityVSAvoiddurability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mold compound layers are positioned to cover and protect the bonding wires before they can be exposed to damage. This protective encapsulation provides mechanical cushioning and environmental protection to the vulnerable bonding wires while maintaining their electrical connectivity function, resolving the contradiction between connectivity and durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Volume of moving object

If a compact form factor is implemented, then portability is improved, but signal routing difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveform factorVSAvoidsignal routing difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible cable enables three-dimensional signal routing between substrate sections within the compact form factor. By utilizing vertical and angular dimensions rather than only linear horizontal routing, the design achieves efficient signal connectivity in a minimized volume, resolving the contradiction between compactness and routing difficulty.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS10733136B1Vertical surface mount type C USB connector
Publication Date: 2020.08.04 SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC
  • US10733136B1 patent drawing
  • US10733136B1 patent drawing
  • US10733136B1 patent drawing

AI summary

Semiconductor substrate sections joined by an integral flexible cable are utilized to form a device comprising a connector. The connector can be surface mounted on through-holes and soldered for enhanced robustness.