Patent ID: 7477521

Claim:
A printed circuit board device comprising: a printed circuit board including a plurality of electrical components; an edge connector mounted on a first edge of the printed circuit board, and electrically coupled to the plurality of electrical components via trace leads; a first slot extending from an edge of the printed circuit board on one side of the edge connector to a first end; and a second slot extending from an edge of the printed circuit board on an opposite side of the edge connector to a second end; wherein the first and second slots define an isolated area of the printed circuit board, which supports the edge connector; wherein the isolated area is connected to a main section of the printed circuit board, which supports the plurality of electrical components, via a neck, through which the trace leads extend; and wherein ends of the first and second slots define an axis about which the isolated area is bendable relative to the main section of the printed circuit board; whereby any bending caused by the connection of the edge connector to a mating connector will be localized in the area between the first and second ends, thereby isolating the electrical components from any stresses caused thereby.