pcb traces instead of connector

Projects General Guidance
1

There is this cool thing where people are using traces on pcb instead of using a male connector.
A great example is a usb , like this one :

https://hackaday.io/project/10209/gallery#a66607bc3f0aae80cdb5da2115d3ff17

The thing is that usb takes a lot of space on the pcb, so using traces like the example in the link is too big.

I wonder if you know other ways to get the same effect but for smaller connectors.

For example, would this effect work on usb micro/mini ? so I will put 5 mini usb traces on pcb instead of using male connector.

Any examples, or articles about the subject ?
Thanks a lot.

2

These are the best I think you can do:

https://hackaday.io/project/10209/gallery#a66607bc3f0aae80cdb5da2115d3ff17

3

Thanks , but I am not sure what is this answer, you just showed me usb connectors that where invented 20 years a go, whats new ?

I was looking for a new way to connect 2 pcb's that is not ugly (like shields) and its tiny like usb micro (which is old)

Some solution like LittleBits (magnets) which is sexy and not "technical" , but something not expensive.

4

You want something 'new' not 'old or ugly', something 'sexy' not 'technical'.
And, something cheap.

Hmm.

.

5

It's a workable solution for devices that can have their weight entirely supported by a tab of PCB material. Also add on stresses from incidental movement and it may not be such a great solution.

If you notice how the USB pins have the outer contacts (power) set further forward, it's like that to prevent the data lines from contacting first and trying to conduct power over data lines. Subtle design point that may get overlooked if going with straight PCB traces and other vectors of connection other than head-on as it was designed in the plugging-in motion.

6

New connectors typically are low profile surface mount components now, as the excitement is with small high density connectors. These sort of connectors (available in enough styles to make your head spin) can be had from . digikey, mouser or any other professional electronics supplier.

Tricky to use due to needing a package library for your pcb design tool (theyre all different, the small ones at least), and hard to navigate the product t life cycle ( are they gonna stop making them next week, or is it a thriving product line? How do you know?)

Card edge connectors, where pads on the board engage a connector are common, and can be had from any electronics supplier. These are old technology, though, and have been around since the 70s or earlier.