U-Shaped Buckle Base and Fixing Pin for PCB Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for fixing printed circuit board assemblies to sheets, such as chassis or motherboard trays, are either prone to screw loss or mishandling, leading to potential damage during transportation, and are often costly, especially when using thumb screws.
Innovation Solution
A buckle base and buckle-fixing pin combination is used, where the buckle base is U-shaped with legs and a bridge, and the buckle-fixing pin has a longitudinal slot, allowing for secure attachment without tools and potentially made from polymeric materials like polycarbonate or ABS, providing a cost-effective solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional screws are used to fasten the printed circuit board assembly to the chassis or motherboard tray, then the assembly can be fixed securely, but the user may lose or mishandle the screws during installation or maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fastener and the securing mechanism into a single integrated buckle assembly. The buckle base with legs and bridge structure integrates the mounting function, while the buckle-fixing pin integrates the securing function. This eliminates separate screws that could be lost, while maintaining secure attachment through the interlocking buckle mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The buckle assembly is designed to be self-contained with the fixing pin stored within or attached to the buckle base. The mechanism allows the fixing pin to be automatically retained when not in use, and enables easy one-handed operation for both installation and removal without requiring separate fasteners that could be misplaced.
2Reliability
If thumb screws are used to fasten the printed circuit board assembly, then screw loss or mishandling is prevented, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a simple plastic buckle base and fixing pin made from polymeric materials like polypropylene or polyethylene. These inexpensive components replace costly thumb screws while providing sufficient durability for the application. The simple molded construction keeps manufacturing costs low while preventing component loss through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameters from metal (screws) to polymer (buckle components), and changes the fastening mechanism from threaded engagement to snap-fit or friction-based engagement. This parameter change reduces manufacturing cost while maintaining the reliability of preventing component loss through integrated design.
3Reliability
If a secure fastening method is used to prevent damage during transportation, then reliability improves, but the complexity of the fastening mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The buckle assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the buckle base with legs and bridge for mounting, and the separate buckle-fixing pin for securing. This segmentation allows each component to be simple in design while the combination provides secure fastening. The longitudinal slot in the fixing pin and the knurled surface provide grip and engagement without adding overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex mechanism to prevent loosening during vibration and transportation, the patent uses a simple friction-fit and engagement design where the fixing pin inserts into the longitudinal slot and is retained by the buckle base structure. The security comes from the geometric interlocking rather than complex locking mechanisms, achieving reliability with minimal complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A buckle base and buckle-fixing pin combination to be used in fixing a printed circuit board to a sheet includes a buckle base and a buckle-fixing pin. The buckle base is in a generally U-shaped form. The buckle base includes a first leg, a second leg, and a bridge therebetween. The first and second legs are connected to the bridge. The buckle-fixing pin forms a longitudinal slot therein.