Mounting apparatus and system for circuit board and methods of use

Abstract

Disclosed is a circuit board assembly bracket having a bracket body member including a bracket first side and a bracket second side, a first attachment member that attaches the bracket to a circuit board on the bracket first side, and a second attachment member comprising a toolless attachment mechanism that attaches the bracket and the circuit board to a panel member on the bracket second side. Also disclosed is a circuit board assembly including the circuit board assembly bracket.

Description

MOUNTING APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR CIRCUIT BOARD AND METHODSOF USECROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Application No. 63 / 677934, titled “BRACKET FOR CIRCUIT BOARD” filed on July 31, 2024. The aforementioned application is incorporated by reference herein.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to a circuit board panel, and more particularly, to a bracket allowing for easy assembly of a circuit board panel.BACKGROUND

[0003] Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) are commonly integrated into fire alarm panels and similar control systems through the use of multiple discrete hardware components. In the case of larger PCBs and panels, installation frequently necessitates the use of numerous individual hardware elements, including, but not limited to, screws, standoffs, and lock washers. The process of assembling and securing these hardware components during PCB installation is often labor-intensive and inefficient, particularly for field technicians and other installation personnel.

[0004] The conventional installation procedure typically requires the installer to first identify the appropriate mounting holes from among a multitude of options on a mounting plate based on the specific dimensions and intended location of the PCB. Subsequently, the installer must position and affix lock washers and standoffs to the mounting plate at the selected locations. Once these components are in place, the PCB is mounted onto the standoffs and secured using screws. Finally, the electrical connector on the PCB is mated with a corresponding connector on an adjacent board. This multi-step process is not only time-consuming but also prone toerrors and inefficiencies, particularly in field environments where speed and reliability are critical.

[0005] Accordingly, there exists a need for improved systems and methods for assembling and installing PCBs onto panels, which reduce the reliance on loose hardware components, streamline the installation process, and enhance overall efficiency and reliability.SUMMARY

[0006] The following presents a simplified summary of one or more aspects in order to provide a basic understanding of such aspects. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated aspects, and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of all aspects nor delineate the scope of any or all aspects. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0007] Aspects of the technology described herein relate to a circuit board assembly bracket including: a bracket body member including a bracket first side and a bracket second side; a first attachment member that attaches the bracket to a circuit board on the bracket first side; and a second attachment member including a toolless attachment mechanism that attaches the bracket and the circuit board to a panel member on the bracket second side.

[0008] Aspects of the technology described herein further relate to the aspects of the circuit board assembly bracket described above and further relate to the first attachment member including at least one standoff insert.

[0009] Aspects of the technology described herein further relate to the aspects of the circuit board assembly bracket described above and the second attachment member including at least a captive thumb screw.

[0010] Aspects of the technology described herein further relate to the aspects of the circuit board assembly bracket described above, wherein the toolless attachment mechanism is configured to is hold a captive thumb screw in place on the bracket body member.

[0011] Aspects of the technology described herein further relate to the aspects of the circuit board assembly bracket described above, wherein the bracket body member includes at least one locating tab configured to guide the bracket into a location on the panel member.

[0012] Aspects of the technology described herein further relate to the aspects of the circuit board assembly bracket described above further including a second bracket having a second bracket body member with at least one second locating tab configure to guide the bracket into the location on the panel member.

[0013] Aspects of the technology described herein further relate to the aspects of the circuit board assembly bracket described above further wherein at least a portion of the bracket body member second side forms a first plane, and wherein at least a portion of the at least one locating tab extends from the first plane.

[0014] Aspects of the technology described herein further relate to the aspects of the circuit board assembly bracket described above wherein the at least a portion of the at least one locating tab extends substantially in a direction transverse from the first plane.

[0015] Aspects of the technology described herein further relate to the aspects of the circuit board assembly bracket described above, wherein the first bracket body member is configured to guide a first end of a circuit board in alignment with and into a first receiving portion of the panel member and the second locating tab is configured to guide a second end of the circuit board into alignment with and into a second receiving portion of the panel member.

[0016] Aspects of the technology described herein relate to a circuit board assembly including: at least one bracket member including: a bracket body member including a bracket first side and a bracket second side; a first attachment member that attaches the at least one bracketmember to a circuit board on the bracket first side; and a second attachment member including a toolless attachment mechanism that attaches the at least one bracket member and the circuit board to a panel member on the bracket second side; and a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) including a connection member configured to connect to a connection port on the panel member.

[0017] Aspects of the technology described herein further relate to the aspects of the circuit board assembly described above, wherein the first attachment member includes at least one standoff insert.

[0018] Aspects of the technology described herein further relate to the aspects of the circuit board assembly described above, wherein the toolless attachment mechanism includes a captive thumb screw.

[0019] Aspects of the technology described herein further relate to the aspects of the circuit board assembly described above, wherein the toolless attachment mechanism is configured to hold a captive thumb screw in place on the bracket body member.

[0020] Aspects of the technology described herein further relate to the aspects of the circuit board assembly described above, wherein the bracket body member includes at least one locating tab configured to guide the bracket into the correct location on the panel.

[0021] Aspects of the technology described herein further relate to the aspects of the circuit board assembly described above, further including a second bracket member including: a second bracket body member including a second bracket first side and a second bracket second side; a second bracket first attachment member that attaches the second bracket member to the circuit board on the second bracket first side; and a second bracket second attachment member including a second toolless attachment mechanism that attaches the second bracket member and the circuit board to the panel member on the second bracket second side.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 is an exploded view of an example PCB and bracket assembly.

[0023] Figure 2A is a side view of the PCB and bracket assembly of Figure 1.

[0024] Figure 2B is a side view of a PCB with an alternative bracket assembly.

[0025] Figure 3 is an isometric view of the PCB and bracket assembly of Figures 1 and 2A aligned with a mounting portion and connector of an example panel for installation thereon.

[0026] Figure 4 is an exploded side isometric view of the example bracket assembly and PCB of Figures 1, 2A, and 3.

[0027] Figure 5 is a front view of the PCB with an example bracket of Figures 1-4 mounted thereto according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0028] Figure 6 is a side cross-section view of the example bracket of Figures 1, 2A, and 3-5.

[0029] Figure 7 is a magnified cross-section view of an example standoff insert according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0030] Figure 8 is a magnified side-isometric view of an example captive attachment member according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0031] Figure 9 is a magnified side-isometric view of the example captive attachment member of Figure 8.

[0032] Figure 10 is a cross-section view of the example captive attachment member of Figures 8-9.

[0033] Figure 11 is a side-view of an example standoff according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0034] Figure 12 is a cross-section view of the example standoff of Figure 11.

[0035] Figure 13 is an exploded view of an example bracket assembly with locating tabs.

[0036] Figure 14 is a side view of the bracket assembly of Figure 13.

[0037] Figure 15 is an isometric view of the bracket assembly of Figure 3 aligned with a mounting portion and connector of an example panel for installation thereon.

[0038] Figure 16 is an exploded view of an example bracket assembly that includes a top bracket member and a bottom bracket member that utilizes a hook in slot connection mechanism.

[0039] Figure 17 is a side view of the bracket assembly of Figure 16.

[0040] Figure 18 is an isometric view of the bracket assembly of Figure 17 aligned with a mounting portion and connector of an example panel for installation thereon.

[0041] Figure 19 is an exploded view of an example bracket assembly that includes a top bracket member and a bottom bracket member according to an aspect of the disclosure.

[0042] Figure 20 is a side view of the bracket assembly of Figure 10.

[0043] Figure 21 is an isometric view of the bracket assembly of Figure 10 attached to an example panel.

[0044] Figure 22 is an isometric view of a bracket assembly according to another aspect of the disclosure.

[0045] Figure 23 is an isometric view of a bracket assembly according to another aspect of the disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Various aspects of the disclosure are now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to promote a thorough understanding of one or more aspects of the disclosure. It may be evident in some or all instances, however, that any aspects described below can be practiced without adopting the specific design details described below.

[0047] The following summary is provided solely to introduce certain aspects of this disclosure in a concise manner and is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure in any way. Rather,the summary serves to highlight key features and advantages of the invention, with the understanding that the full breadth and scope of the inventive concepts are set forth in greater detail in the example implementations and embodiments described herein. It should be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the specific features, methods, or configurations summarized below, and that additional aspects, modifications, and variations will be apparent from the detailed description and examples that follow.

[0048] This disclosure relates to a bracket assembly and system for mounting a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) to a panel, such as, but not limited to, a fire alarm panel. The bracket assembly is configured to be affixed to the PCB on one side and to the panel on the opposite side, and provides secure attachment of the PCB to the panel via the bracket assembly.

[0049] One of many advantages of the disclosed bracket assembly and system is the incorporation of a toolless screw or other fastener mechanism, which allows the installer to secure both the bracket and the PCB to the panel without the use of traditional tools. The toolless screw, which is preinstalled within the bracket assembly, serves as a connection member to affix the bracket assembly and the PCB to the panel. This configuration eliminates the need for multiple loose hardware components and obviates the necessity for complex installation procedures. The bracket assembly and system described herein significantly streamlines the process of installing a PCB onto a panel. The installation is rendered more efficient, requiring fewer steps and a reduced number of parts to reduce or eliminate the potential for installation error. As a result, the bracket assembly and system disclosed herein offers substantial improvements in installation speed, simplicity, and reliability, particularly in field applications where ease of use and operational efficiency are important.

[0050] While examples herein are described in the context of fire alarm panels, the bracket assembly and system disclosed herein is not limited to applications involving a fire alarm panel.Rather, the inventive bracket assembly is broadly applicable to a wide variety of panels across numerous industries and use cases. By way of non-limiting example, the bracket assembly may be utilized to mount PCBs to security system panels, industrial control panels, telecommunications panels, HVAC control panels, lighting control panels, access control panels, audio-visual equipment panels, power distribution panels, network server racks, medical device enclosures, automotive dashboard panels, and various consumer electronics housings. The versatility of the bracket assembly enables its use in any context where a PCB must be securely and efficiently affixed to a panel, regardless of the specific function or environment of the panel. This broad applicability underscores the adaptability and utility of the invention across a diverse array of electronic systems.

[0051] Referring to Figs. 1-12, in one example implementation of the disclosure, an example bracket assembly 100 includes a bracket member 102, which further includes a bracket first side 104 and a bracket second side 106 that may form a first plane or that may include a portion that is within a first plane. The bracket member 102 includes at least one standoff insert 108 affixed to the bracket first side 104, and which extends out of or away from, and substantially perpendicular or perpendicular to, the bracket member 102. The at least one standoff insert 108 may be affixed to the bracket member 102 using an adhesive such as a glue and / or other attachment methods such as welding (arc, gas, resistance, energy beam, solid-state), soldering, press-fitting, snap-fitting, threaded engagement, the use of mechanical fasteners such as screws or rivets, and / or the standoff insert 108 may be a molded, machined, and / or additively manufactured unitary component with the bracket. Figures 6, 7, 11, and 12 show views of an example at least one standoff 108 usable with aspects of this disclosure. The standoff may for example include a press-fit portion 109 (Figure 7) that is configured to be pressed into or otherwise permanently or elastically deformed to be permanently or semi-permanently connected to bracket member 102. In one example, the press-fit portion 109 can be pressed intoan opening 168 in the bracket member 102, where the opening 168 has a smaller diameter than the outer diameter of the press-fit portion 109. As a result, when the press-fit portion 109 is pressed into the opening 168, it causes either permanent or elastic deformation of the press-fit portion 109 and creates a frictional or friction-welded connection with the opening of the bracket member 102. In another example, the at least one standoff 108 may include a threaded portion and a nut or a threaded blind hole and a screw or bolt configured to be tightened with the bracket member 102 sandwiched between the standoff 108 and the nut or screw / bolt.

[0052] Further, as shown in Figures 6 and 7. The standoff 108 may have a threaded blind hole or opening 111 configured to threadingly receive a fastener, such as a screw or bolt (which may be one example of the aforementioned attachment mechanism 117). In another example, the aforementioned attachment mechanism 117 may be a rivet or a press fit or interference fit member that is configured to pressed into or otherwise permanently or semi-permanently connected to the standoff 108. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the aforementioned attachment mechanism 117 may be configured to pass through an opening (e.g., openings 116) in the PCB 114 thus connecting the PCB 114 to the standoff 108. As mentioned above, the PCB 114 may include an opening or plurality of openings 116 that allows an attachment mechanism 117, such as but not limited to a screw, to be inserted through the PCB 114 via the opening 116 and into a removable engagement with the attachment feature of the standoff insert 108. The PCB 114 may include additional openings 116 for additional attachment mechanisms 117 to be attached into additional standoff inserts 108, as shown in the example of Figure 1 and 4 where there are two standoff inserts 108 and therefore two holes or openings 116 in the PCB 114.

[0053] The bracket member 102 may further include an attachment member 110 for connecting the bracket 102 to a panel member 112 (Fig. 3). In one example implementation, the attachment member 110 may be configured to extend through the bracket member 102 and to allow the bracket member 102 to be removably or permanently affixed to a panel member 112on the bracket second side 106. In one non-limiting example, the attachment member 110 may be a captive attachment member and may not be removed from the bracket member 102 (e.g., the captive attachment member 110 is free to rotate and may move through a set distance axially, however, may not be easily fully separated from the bracket member 102). The captive attachment member 110 may be configured to prevent removal of the captive attachment member 110 from the bracket member 102.

[0054] Figures 8-10 illustrate examples of a captive attachment member 110 according to aspects of the disclosure. The captive attachment member 110 may include an outer barrel 165 (Fig. 10) configured to move linearly (e.g., in the directions indicated by the arrow in Figure 9) with respect to a base member 159. The base member 159 may include a press-fit portion 167 that is configured to be pressed into or otherwise permanently or elastically deformed to be permanently or semi-permanently connected to an opening 172 (Fig. 8) of bracket member 102. In one example, the press-fit portion 167 may be pressed into an opening 172 in the bracket member bracket member 102 that has a smaller diameter than an outer diameter of the press- fit portion 167 so that pressing of the press-fit portion 167 into the opening causes permanent or elastic deformation of the press-fit portion 167 and friction or friction welded connection with the opening of the bracket member 102.

[0055] The outer barrel 165 of the captive attachment member 110 may have an outer surface 170 that may be textured or otherwise may have patterns or irregularities to allow a user to easily grip the surface 170 and rotate the outer barrel 165 by hand. The outer barrel 165 may be configured to engage with an inner bolt or screw 166, which may include a fastening interface 171 (e.g., a phillips, flat-head, alien, star, or other known tightening interface). The screw 166 may be configured to rotate with the outer barrel 165 and may have a threaded portion 115 that is configured to threadingly engage with threaded openings 113a and / or 113b in the panel 112 (Fig. 3). The screw 166 maybe permanently connected to or otherwisecaptive ly engaged with the outer barrel 165, so that rotation of the outer barrel 165 also causes rotation of screw 166 (and thus threaded portion 115). The captive attachment member 110 may further include an internal spring or biasing member 169 that is configured to bias the outer barrel 165 upward or away from the base member 159. Thus, the threaded portion 115 may be retracted until a user presses downward or towards the bracket member 102 once the bracket member 102 is aligned with an opening in panel 112. A user may then rotate the outer barrel 165 (e.g., by hand or using a screwdriver or other tool) causing the threaded portion 115 to threadingly engage with corresponding threaded openings 113a and / or 113b in the panel 112. In the aforementioned example, the captive attachment member 110 is additionally configured to allow toolless connection of the bracket member 102 to the panel member 112. In another example, the captive attachment member may for example exclude the outer surface 170 and may instead only include the fastening interface 171 for use with a screw-driver or other tool (e.g. a Philips and / or flat-head screw interface or anti-tamper interface). The aforementioned example may be advantageous if additional tightening force is needed and / or if a specific tightening torque is desired to allow for use of a torque meter or other torque monitoring tool when fastening the captive attachment member 110. Further, an anti -tamper or keyed fastening interface 171 may be implemented to prevent unauthorized removal of the captive attachment member 110.

[0056] It is noted that while a specific example is described above, the example described is not intended to be limiting. For example, the attachment member 110 may for example be a threaded fastener such as a bolt or screw, a pop-rivet or deformable member with engagement barbs configured to be constrained within openings of the panel 112. In another example, the attachment members may for example be clamps such as spring clamps or tension levers. In yet another example, the attachment members may be leaf springs or other biasing members that hold the end of the bracket member 102 within a slot or other opening. In any one orcombination of the examples of the attachment members 110 described above, the attachment members 110 may for example provide an electrical pathway from the bracket member 102 to the panel 112. For example, the attachment members may provide continuity with a grounding path between the panel 112 and the PCB 114 via the bracket member 102.

[0057] The toolless connection capability of the bracket member 102 to the panel member 112 via the captive attachment member 110 means that the captive attachment member 110 can be fastened into a respective opening of the panel member 112 without the use of any equipment such as, but not limited to, a drill or a screwdriver. In one example, the captive attachment member 110 may be fastened to the panel member 112 by hand by rotating the outer barrel 165. The captive attachment member 110 may therefore also be referred to, or known as, a hand screw or a thumb screw.

[0058] The PCB 114 having an attached bracket member 102 can be affixed to the panel member 112 at only a single point, or at least at a single point, such as by the captive attachment member 110. The PCB 114 may provide further attachment support via a port or connector 118 of the PCB that plugs into or otherwise mechanically and / or electrically connects to the panel 112 thereby connecting the PCB 114 to the panel 112. Installation of the PCB 114 to the panel 112 according to the present aspects may therefore be simplified to only include plugging the PCB 114 into the panel 112 and then manually, by hand, e.g., without any tool, actuating, e.g., screwing in, the captive attachment member 110 to the respective opening on the panel 120 (see, e.g., Figures 3, 15, 18, and 21).

[0059] The length of the standoff inserts 108 may be increased or decreased based on the location where the PCB 114 is plugged into the panel 112. For example, as can be seen inFigure 3, the PCB 114 is plugged into the panel 112 at a slightly elevated location, and the standoff inserts 108 may therefore provide a relatively substantial space between the bracket member 102 and the PCB 114 so as to allow the PCB 114 to plug into the panel 112 at theelevated surface level. Further, the aforementioned configuration allows the bracket member 102 to be affixed into the panel 112 by the captive attachment member 110 at the base surface level. Further, as shown in Figure 2B, the bracket member may have an alternative profile to modify the elevation of the PCB 114 with respect to the mounting surface (e.g., mounting surfaces 223 and / or 273 of the panel 112), a connector (e.g., connector 206 of the panel 112) and / or a circuit board 200 of the panel 112. Figure 2B shows one example of an alternative bracket member 102b with a bend or step 103. The bend or step 103 may further provide clearance in conjunction with the standoff 108 and / or may provide clearance for other obstacles or features of the panel 112. The bend or step 103 may further increase the strength or rigidity of the bracket member 102b.

[0060] Additionally, referring to Figs. 13-18, 22 and 23, the bracket member 102 may further include one or more locating tabs 122 for positioning the PCB 114 and attached bracket member 102 on a panel 120, and / or for providing additional support or for guiding the positioning of the PCB 114 and / or the bracket member(s) 102 and / or 104 with respect to the panel 112. The locating tabs 122 may be located on and affixed to the bracket second side 106, and extend away from the bracket member 102, in a direction substantially opposite the extension direction of the standoff inserts 108. The locating tabs 122 may extend in a relatively straight direction, in a curved direction, at an angle relative to a plane of the bracket member 102, and / or in any combination thereof. The locating tabs 122 may provide additional connection support apart from the captive attachment member 110 and the PCB connector 118. The implementation of the locating tabs 122 further does not require tools for installation and / or eliminates the need for additional tools or components. In one example implementation, one or more of the locating tabs 122 may extend in a direction transverse to the first plane of a bracket second side 106.

[0061] The locating tabs 122 may further assist a technician or other installer with correctly guiding the PCB 114 with respect to the panel 112 to ensure correct orientation and mounting thereof. For example, when mounting the PCB 114 to the panel 112, it may be critical that a PCB connector 118 properly engages with and connects with a connector 206 of the circuit board 200. The locating tabs 122 may be configured to slot into or otherwise engage with a specific series or any series of receiving portions 222 (Figure 15) of a mounting portion 223. The locating tabs 122 may also aid in placing the PCB 114 and bracket member 102 in the correct location and / or relative position on the panel 112, as there are corresponding locating tab openings 222 in the panel member 112. Therefore, the locating tabs 122 will aid the installation of the PCB 114 to the panel 112, and will further provide additional structural support when the PCB 114 has been attached. Further, the locating tabs 122 may provide a pivot point or may otherwise support the PCB 114 to ensure positive engagement of a PCB connector 118 with a connector 206 of the circuit board 200. For example, a user may first engage or otherwise pass the locating tabs 122 through corresponding receiving portion(s) or opening(s) 222 of the mounting surfaces 223 of the panel 112 and then the user may pivot the PCB 114 downward (e.g., as indicated by the arrow 101 in Figure 15) to connect the PCB connector 118 to the connector 206 of the circuit board 200. Then, once the connector 206 is connected to the PCB connector 118, the user may rotate the captive attachment (e.g., the outer barrel 165 of the captive attachment member 110) to lock the PCB 114 in place with respect to the panel 112.

[0062] Referring to Figs. 16-23, the PCB 114 may have a size, length and / or other dimension that may require additional support and that thus would benefit from the implementation of an additional bracket member to further affix the PCB 114 to the panel 112. In one implementation of the features of this disclosure, an additional bracket member may be a second bracket member 202. The second bracket member 202 may be analogous with, sharefeatures with, and / or have features substituted from bracket member 102 described above with respect to 1-15. In an example implementation described below, components, structures, and dimensions labeled as 2xx in Figs. 1-15 where xx is one of 02, 04, 08, and 10, for example are similar or identical to components, structures, and dimensions labeled as Ixx where xx is one of 02, 04, 08, and lO in Figs 1-15. Further, the PCB 114 and / or the panel 112 described below may be analogous with, share features with, and / or may have features substituted from the PCB 114 and / or the panel 112 described above.

[0063] The second bracket member 202 according to an aspect of the disclosure may include a captive attachment member 210 and / or a second locating feature, which may for example include one or more hook or L-shaped tabs and / or support tabs or hook mechanism tabs 204a (e.g., as shown in Figures 16-18). In another example, the second locating feature may include on or more locating tabs 204b (e.g., as shown in Figures 22 and 23) which may share features with or may be analogous with locating tabs 122. In the aforementioned support or hook tabs and / or hook connection mechanism (it is noted that the terms support tabs, hook tabs, and / or hook connection mechanism may be used interchangeably throughout the disclosure), the hook connection mechanism 204a may include one or more hook members that extend from a bottom edge and / or a back of the second bracket member 202, in directions away from the back and also opposing a location of the captive attachment member 110 of the bracket member 102. In other words, a first portion of the one or more hook members of the hook connection mechanism 204a extend in a direction at an acute angle away from a plane of the body of the second bracket member 202. Additionally, a second portion of the one or more hook members of the hook connection mechanism 204a is connected to the first portion, and the second portion extends in a direction away from the bottom edge of the second bracket member 202. Moreover, the length of the first portion of the one or more hook members of the hook connection mechanism 204a defines a spaced apart distance between the second portion andthe back surface of the second bracket member 202. As such, the first and second portions of the one or more hook members of the hook connection mechanism 204a form a shape configured to fit within a corresponding slot or slots 225 of the panel 112. In some aspects of the disclosure, the hook-like shape of the hook connection mechanism 204a is configured such that the distal end of the second portion of the one or more hook members may be configured to apply an elastic force or tension to the panel 112 and / or the PCB, which can help to secure the PCB 114 to the panel 112. In operation, the second bracket member 202 can be inserted into corresponding hook openings 225 of the panel member 112 (see Figure 18). Once the tabs 204a are inserted into the slots 225, the PCB 114 can be pivoted upwards as shown by the arrow in Figure 18. The interaction between the slots 225 and the locating tabs 204b ensure that any one or more connectors on the bottom side (e.g., the side not shown in Figure 18 of the PCB 114) are aligned with and can correctly engage and connect with a corresponding connector 206 of the circuit board 200. The bracket member 102, which is this scenario may be referred to as the first bracket member or the main bracket member, may then be affixed to the panel member 112 using the captive attachment member 110 and the PCB connector 118, and optionally the locating tabs 133, as discussed in detail above and as shown in figures 22 and 23. Thus, the second bracket member 202 allows for additional support for the PCB 114, and also enables the toolless attachment of the PCB 114 to the panel 112, e.g., without the use of any additional components or tools.

[0064] Referring to Figs. 10-12, in another implementation, the additional bracket member may be a second one of the bracket members 102, as opposed to the second bracket member 202 that utilizes the hook connection mechanism 204a. The second one of the bracket members 102 may be attached on the opposite side of the PCB 114 as the first or main bracket member 102. In other words, this implementation utilizes two bracket members 102, on different sides of the PCB 114, such as but not limited to opposing sides. Consequently, the two bracketmembers 102 may be affixed to the panel member 112 via a respective captive attachment member 110, and, optionally, via locating tabs. The second bracket member 202 may be analogous with, share features with, and / or have features substituted from bracket member 102 described above with respect to 1-15.

[0065] In one example aspect of the disclosure shown in Figure 22, the second bracket member 202 may include locating tabs 204b that may share features with, may be similar to, or identical to the locating tabs 122 described above. In the example of Figure 22, the locating tabs 204b may be configured to slot into or otherwise be captively engaged with a second set of slots or openings 224 ofthe panel 112. The aforementioned configuration allows auserto either engage the locating tabs 122 or the locating tabs 204b with corresponding slots or openings 224 and / or 222 of the mounting surfaces 223 and / or mounting surfaces 273.

[0066] Figure 23 shows an additional example aspect of the disclosure. As shown in Figure 23, the bracket member 202 may be a single bracket that extends from a first end of the PCB 114 to second end of the PCB. The second bracket member 202 may include an opening 273 that is configured to have a PCB connector (hidden from view in Figure 23) pass therethrough to allow the PCB connector to engage and connect with a corresponding connector 206 of the circuit board 200.

[0067] In one aspect of the disclosure, any one or combination of the captive portions or opening portions 222, the threaded openings 113a and / or 113b, the openings 224, slots 225, and / or the connectors 206 may be symmetrically or otherwise provided in series on the panel 112 to allow a PCB 114 with the brackets described herein to be installed at any one of a number of locations on the panel 112. In some examples, any one or combination of the captive portions or opening portions 222, the threaded openings 113a and / or 113b, the openings 224, slots 225, and / or the connectors 206 may be arranged on the panel to ensure that only a certaintype of PCB can be installed at a certain location on the panel 112, which may prevent installation errors.

[0068] Additionally, aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented according to one or more of the following enumerated clauses:

[0069] Clause 1. A circuit board assembly bracket, comprising: a bracket body member including a bracket first side and a bracket second side; a first attachment member that attaches the bracket to a circuit board on the bracket first side; and a second attachment member comprising a toolless attachment mechanism that attaches the bracket and the circuit board to a panel member on the bracket second side.

[0070] Clause 2. The circuit board assembly bracket of clause 1, wherein the first attachment member includes at least one standoff insert.

[0071] Clause 3. The circuit board assembly bracket of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the second attachment member includes at least a captive thumb screw.

[0072] Clause 4. The circuit board assembly bracket of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the toolless attachment mechanism is configured to is hold a captive thumb screw in place on the bracket body member.

[0073] Clause 5. The circuit board assembly bracket of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the bracket body member includes at least one locating tab configured to guide the bracket into a location on the panel member.

[0074] Clause 6. The circuit board assembly bracket of any of the preceding clauses, wherein at least a portion of the bracket body member second side forms a first plane, and wherein at least a portion of the at least one locating tab extends from the first plane.

[0075] Clause 7. The circuit board assembly bracket of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the at least a portion of the at least one locating tab extends substantially in a direction transverse from the first plane.

[0076] Clause 8. The circuit board assembly bracket of any of the preceding clauses, further comprising a second bracket having a second bracket body member with at least one second locating tab configure to guide the bracket into the location on the panel member.

[0077] Clause 9. The circuit board assembly bracket of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first bracket body member is configured to guide a first end of a circuit board in alignment with and into a first receiving portion of the panel member and the second locating tab is configured to guide a second end of the circuit board into alignment with and into a second receiving portion of the panel member.

[0078] Clause 10. A circuit board assembly, comprising: at least one bracket member including: a bracket body member including a bracket first side and a bracket second side; a first attachment member that attaches the at least one bracket member to a circuit board on the bracket first side; and a second attachment member comprising a toolless attachment mechanism that attaches the at least one bracket member and the circuit board to a panel member on the bracket second side; and a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) including a connection member configured to connect to a connection port on the panel member.

[0079] Clause 11. The circuit board assembly of clause 10, wherein the first attachment member includes at least one standoff insert.

[0080] Clause 12. The circuit board assembly of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the toolless attachment mechanism comprises a captive thumb screw.

[0081] Clause 13. The circuit board assembly of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the toolless attachment mechanism is configured to hold a captive thumb screw in place on the bracket body member .

[0082] Clause 14. The circuit board assembly of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the bracket body member includes at least one locating tab configured to guide the bracket into a correct location on the panel.

[0083] Clause 15. The circuit board assembly of any of the preceding clauses, further comprising a second bracket member comprising: a second bracket body member including a second bracket first side and a second bracket second side; a second bracket first attachment member that attaches the second bracket member to the circuit board on the second bracket first side; and a second bracket second attachment member comprising a second toolless attachment mechanism that attaches the second bracket member and the circuit board to the panel member on the second bracket second side.

[0084] The construction and arrangement of the systems and methods as shown in the various examples described herein are illustrative only. Although only a few examples have been described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.). For example, the position of elements can be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions can be altered or varied. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. The order or sequence of any process or method steps can be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions can be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the examples described herein without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0085] In the above disclosure, the term “substantially” or “approximately” may be used as a modifier for a geometric relationship between elements or for the shape of an element or component. While the terms substantially or approximately are not limited to a specific metric and may cover any metric that is understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to be an acceptable variation, some examples are provided as follows. In some examples, the terms substantially or approximately may include a variation of less than 10% of the dimension ofthe object or component, or a variation of less than 5% of the object or component. These examples are not intended to be limiting and may be increased or decreased based on the understanding of acceptable limits to one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0086] In this disclosure, terms such as “a,” “an,” and “the” are not intended to refer to only a singular entity, but include the general class of which a specific example may be used for illustration. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” are used interchangeably with the term at least one. The phrases “at least one of’ and “comprises at least one of’ followed by a list refers to any one of the items in the list and any combination of two or more items in the list. All numerical ranges are inclusive of their endpoints and non-integral values between the endpoints unless otherwise stated.

[0087] The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” and “fourth” are used in their relative sense only. In particular, in some aspects certain components may be present in interchangeable and / or identical multiples (e.g., pairs). For these components, the designation of first, second, third, and / or fourth may be applied to the components merely as a matter of convenience in the description of one or more of the aspects of the disclosure.

[0088] The term “at,” for example when referring to something being located at a specific location, is intended to include any one or more of: proximate, on, near, adjacent to, or within the specific location.

[0089] In the description, certain terms such as “forward,” “front,” “rear,” “back,” “up,” “down,” “upper,” “lower,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “left,” “right,” “longitudinal,” “lateral,” “inner,” “outer,” “backside,” “frontside,” and the like are used to provide some clarity of description when dealing with relative relationships. However, these terms are not intended to imply absolute relationships, positions, and / or orientations. For example, with respect to an object, an upper surface can become a lower surface by turning the object over.

[0090] Additionally, references to “one aspect” or “an aspect” of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional features or components, either described in this application or that would have been understood by one of ordinary skill in the art after reading this disclosure, that also incorporate the recited features.

[0091] Although the disclosure describes specific order of method steps, the order of the steps may differ from what is depicted. Also, two or more steps can be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence. Such variation will depend on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A circuit board assembly bracket, comprising: a bracket body member including a bracket first side and a bracket second side; a first attachment member that attaches the bracket to a circuit board on the bracket first side; and a second attachment member comprising a toolless attachment mechanism that attaches the bracket and the circuit board to a panel member on the bracket second side.

2. The circuit board assembly bracket of claim 1, wherein the first attachment member includes at least one standoff insert.

3. The circuit board assembly bracket of claim 1, wherein the second attachment member includes at least a captive thumb screw.

4. The circuit board assembly bracket of claim 1, wherein the toolless attachment mechanism is configured to is hold a captive thumb screw in place on the bracket body member.

5. The circuit board assembly bracket of claim 1, wherein the bracket body member includes at least one locating tab configured to guide the bracket into a location on the panel member.

6. The circuit board assembly bracket of claim 5, wherein at least a portion of the bracket body member second side forms a first plane, and wherein at least a portion of the at least one locating tab extends from the first plane.

7. The circuit board assembly bracket of claim 6, wherein the at least a portion of the at least one locating tab extends substantially in a direction transverse from the first plane.

8. The circuit board assembly bracket of claim 5, further comprising a second bracket having a second bracket body member with at least one second locating tab configure to guide the bracket into the location on the panel member.

9. The circuit board assembly bracket of claim 8, wherein the first bracket body member is configured to guide a first end of a circuit board in alignment with and into a first receiving portion of the panel member and the second locating tab is configured to guide a second end of the circuit board into alignment with and into a second receiving portion of the panel member.

10. A circuit board assembly, comprising: at least one bracket member including: a bracket body member including a bracket first side and a bracket second side; a first attachment member that attaches the at least one bracket member to a circuit board on the bracket first side; and a second attachment member comprising a toolless attachment mechanism that attaches the at least one bracket member and the circuit board to a panel member on the bracket second side; and a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) including a connection member configured to connect to a connection port on the panel member.

11. The circuit board assembly of claim 10, wherein the first attachment member includes at least one standoff insert.

12. The circuit board assembly of claim 10, wherein the toolless attachment mechanism comprises a captive thumb screw.

13. The circuit board assembly of claim 10, wherein the toolless attachment mechanism is configured to hold a captive thumb screw in place on the bracket body member14. The circuit board assembly of claim 10, wherein the bracket body member includes at least one locating tab configured to guide the bracket into a correct location on the panel.

15. The circuit board assembly of claim 10, further comprising a second bracket member comprising: a second bracket body member including a second bracket first side and a second bracket second side; a second bracket first attachment member that attaches the second bracket member to the circuit board on the second bracket first side; and a second bracket second attachment member comprising a second toolless attachment mechanism that attaches the second bracket member and the circuit board to the panel member on the second bracket second side.

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