Circuit Board Cable Joint Cover Retainer for PCB Space Saving

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Solution Overview

Problem

The use of adhesive to secure protective members on circuit boards limits space for electronic component arrangement, increasing manufacturing costs and reducing functionality.

Innovation Solution

A retainer is used to fix the protective member on the circuit board, eliminating the need for adhesive on the opposite side, thereby optimizing space utilization and reducing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If adhesive is used to fix the protective member on the circuit board, then the protective member is secured, but the space for electronic component arrangement is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotective member fixationVSAvoidspace for electronic component arrangement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from using adhesive (2D surface bonding) to using a retainer with clips (3D mechanical engagement). The retainer extends vertically from the circuit board surface, creating a three-dimensional fixation structure that secures the protective member without occupying horizontal component arrangement space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the chemical bonding mechanism (adhesive) with a mechanical fixation system (retainer with clips). The retainer uses physical clips to engage with the protective member, providing secure fixation through mechanical interlocking rather than chemical adhesion, thereby eliminating the need for adhesive and the associated space constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If adhesive is used to fix the protective member, then the protective member is secured, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotective member fixationVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the adhesive from the fixation system. By removing the adhesive layer and its associated application processes, the manufacturing process is simplified, reducing both material costs and process complexity while maintaining fixation reliability through the retainer mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The retainer is designed as a simple, inexpensive mechanical component that can be easily manufactured and replaced if necessary. This approach uses a cost-effective plastic or metal clip structure rather than requiring expensive adhesive materials and complex application equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If adhesive is used on the opposite side of the circuit board, then the protective member is fixed, but the functionality of the circuit board assembly is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotective member fixationVSAvoidcircuit board functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The retainer extends in the vertical dimension (Z-axis) from the circuit board surface, allowing fixation to occur above the board plane rather than requiring adhesive application on the board surface itself. This dimensional shift preserves the entire circuit board surface for electronic component arrangement and maintains full functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS12490381B2Circuit board assembly

Publication Date: 2025.12.02 TYCO ELECTRONICS (SHANGHAI) CO LTD

AI summary

A circuit board assembly includes a circuit board, a plurality of cables soldered to a side of the circuit board, a protective member covering a plurality of solder joints of the cables on the circuit board, and a retainer provided on the side of the circuit board. The retainer fixes the protective member on the circuit board.