Capacitor Frame Assembly for Shock-Resistant PCB Mounting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical circuit boards in automotive vehicles face damage from shock and vibration due to large and heavy electrolytic capacitors, which also occupy significant space, necessitating a solution that enhances durability and reduces size and weight.
Innovation Solution
A dual-function assembly featuring a monolithic plastic frame with a flange, snap structure, capacitor cradle, and socket section that elevates the capacitor to create an air gap, allowing for snap-in attachment of the port connector and secure mounting of the capacitor, while minimizing space and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a large electrolytic capacitor is used for reserve energy storage, then energy storage capacity is improved, but the capacitor becomes heavy and susceptible to shock and vibration damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a plastic frame assembly as an intermediary structure between the capacitor and the circuit board. This frame includes a capacitor cradle that holds the capacitor and a flange that attaches to the circuit board, creating a decoupling mechanism that protects the capacitor from direct shock and vibration forces while maintaining energy storage function
2Use of energy by moving object
If a large electrolytic capacitor is used for reserve energy storage, then energy storage capacity is improved, but the capacitor occupies considerable space on the circuit board
Solution Approach 1:
The patent elevates the capacitor cradle above the circuit board plane, utilizing the vertical dimension to position the capacitor. This creates an air gap between the capacitor and the circuit board, allowing the capacitor to be mounted in a three-dimensional space rather than consuming additional two-dimensional board area, thus optimizing the layout and reducing the footprint on the circuit board
3Device complexity
If the capacitor is directly mounted on the circuit board, then assembly simplicity is improved, but the capacitor is vulnerable to shock and vibration damage
Solution Approach 1:
The plastic frame assembly serves as a mediator between the capacitor and the circuit board, providing mechanical decoupling that protects the capacitor from shock and vibration while maintaining a relatively simple assembly process through snap-fit and fastening mechanisms
4Reliability
If the capacitor is elevated to create an air gap, then mechanical decoupling and shock protection are improved, but the mounting structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated plastic frame assembly: the capacitor cradle for holding the capacitor, the flange for attaching to the circuit board, and the elevated structure for creating the air gap. This merging of functions into one component reduces the overall number of parts and simplifies the mounting structure despite providing multiple protective features
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly provides a dual function for mounting a port connector on a circuit board and also secures a capacitor to the circuit board. The assembly includes the circuit board and a monolithic plastic frame having a flange, a snap structure, a capacitor cradle, and a socket section. The flange has a fastening structure for fastening the frame to the circuit board. The snap structure for a snap-in attachment of the port connector to the frame is arranged near an end edge of the circuit board. The capacitor cradle for holding a cylindrical capacitor is formed adjacent to the snap structure and is elevated from the circuit board by an air gap. The socket section bears socket contacts for receiving capacitor contact leads.