Accessory PCB Fixture with Latch Portions for Secure Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accessory printed circuit boards (PCBs) in electronic devices are prone to disengagement from edge connectors during use or transport due to the lack of additional securing means.
Innovation Solution
An accessory PCB fixture with positioning feet, latch portions, and a connecting portion is used to securely fix the accessory PCB, featuring pins, spring arms, and hooks that engage with holes on the PCB to provide stable connection and easy removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the accessory PCB is received in the edge connector without additional securing means, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of connection deteriorates as the accessory PCB is easily disengaged during use or transport
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory PCB is divided into multiple sections with holes positioned at specific locations, allowing the latch portions to engage separately at different points along the accessory PCB, providing distributed securing rather than a single attachment point
Solution Approach 2:
The latch portions incorporate spring arms that can flex and deform elastically to engage with and disengage from the holes in the accessory PCB, enabling dynamic attachment and detachment while maintaining secure connection during operation
2Reliability
If latch portions with spring arms and hooks are added to secure the accessory PCB, then the connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional elements (positioning feet, latch portions with spring arms, and hooks) are integrated into a single accessory PCB fixture assembly that attaches to the main PCB as one unit, reducing the number of separate components compared to alternative securing mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The spring arms automatically engage with the holes in the accessory PCB through elastic deformation when the accessory PCB is inserted, and can be manually disengaged by applying force to release the hooks, providing self-securing functionality without requiring additional actuators or complex mechanisms
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
The accessory PCB fixture ensures secure attachment and easy detachment of the accessory PCB, enhancing stability and reliability during use and transport.
Implementation Method 1
The spring arms are respectively formed on the connecting portion 16 and are flexible. The hooks 146 are formed on the spring arms 144
Data Source
AI summary
An accessory printed circuit board (PCB) fixture is used in an electronic device to fix an accessory PCB. One end of the accessory PCB electronically connects to an edge connector of a main PCB located in the electronic device. The other end of the accessory PCB defines at least two holes. The accessory PCB fixture includes at least one positioning foot fixed on the main PCB, at least two latch portions and a connecting portion rigidly connecting the positioning foot with the latch portions. The latch portions match the holes of the accessory PCB to fix the accessory PCB. Each latch portion includes a supporting portion, a positioning portion and a hook. One surface of the accessory PCB is supported on the supporting portions. The positioning portions are received in the holes of the accessory PCB. The hooks are latched on the other surface of the accessory PCB.