Adjustable PCB Sensor Anchor for Thermal Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current environmental sensors attached to printed circuit boards (PCBs) are typically fixed, leading to inaccurate ambient temperature readings due to proximity to the PCB, which can result in inefficient fan operation, increased dust accumulation, and potential overheating, necessitating costly thermal testing and software corrections.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable anchor system with vertically adjustable tubular members allows for precise positioning of environmental sensors relative to the PCB, enabling accurate ambient temperature measurement without the need for extensive thermal testing or software development.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If environmental sensors are fixed close to the PCB, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to inaccurate ambient temperature readings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the sensor mounting structure adjustable rather than fixed. The clamp mechanism allows the sensor to be positioned at different distances from the PCB, enabling optimization of temperature measurement accuracy while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure. This resolves the contradiction by introducing controlled variability to achieve precise measurements without permanently increasing device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If environmental sensors are positioned far from the PCB, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases due to adjustable mounting mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the mounting structure into modular components: a base attached to the PCB, an adjustable clamp mechanism, and the sensor holder. This segmentation allows the sensor to be positioned at optimal distances for accurate measurement while keeping each component relatively simple. The modular design enables precise positioning without requiring a completely complex integrated mounting system.
3Reliability
If fans run at high speed to compensate for inaccurate temperature sensing, then the reliability improves by preventing overheating, but the use of energy increases and noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by using the environmental sensor to continuously monitor ambient temperature and provide accurate input to the fan control system. This accurate feedback enables the system to adjust fan speed appropriately based on actual thermal conditions, preventing overheating while avoiding unnecessary high-speed operation that would waste energy and create noise. The feedback loop ensures reliability is maintained through informed control decisions.
4Measurement precision
If thermal testing and software corrections are performed to compensate for sensor inaccuracies, then the measurement precision improves, but the loss of time and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing an adjustable mounting structure that allows optimal sensor positioning to be established during assembly, before the product enters testing or deployment phases. This preliminary optimization of sensor position eliminates or reduces the need for subsequent thermal testing and software correction development, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining high manufacturing productivity and avoiding time losses.
Data Source
AI summary
In one example, a first tubular member has a first diameter and is configured to attach to a printed circuit board. A second tubular member has a second diameter different from the first diameter and is configured to hold an environmental sensor for collecting data relating to an environment of the printed circuit board. The second tubular member is vertically adjustable relative to the first tubular member.