Capacitor Mounting Structure With Elastic Tab for Vibration Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing capacitor mounting structures in electronic systems, particularly in vehicles, face issues with securing capacitors due to inadequate elastic forces from holding elements, which can lead to vibration, noise, and potential damage from manufacturing tolerances, especially when capacitors are heavy or have varying diameters.

Innovation Solution

The proposed mounting structure incorporates an additional elastic tab that exerts a force on the capacitor between the tab and the basis, combined with elastic holding elements to secure the capacitor against movement along multiple axes, enhancing frictional forces for reliable positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If elastic holding elements are used to secure the capacitor, then the capacitor can be held in place, but the elastic force may be insufficient for heavy capacitors or those with varying diameters due to manufacturing tolerances

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecuring reliabilityVSAvoidelastic force
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The securing mechanism is divided into multiple independent holding elements (at least two pairs) that act on different axes. Each holding element pair provides independent elastic force, distributing the securing load and ensuring that if one element is affected by tolerance variations, others can compensate to maintain overall securing reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The holding elements are arranged to exert forces along multiple perpendicular axes (first axis between tab and basis, second axis between holding elements of each pair, third axis perpendicular to both). This multi-dimensional arrangement ensures that capacitors with varying diameters are secured from multiple directions, compensating for dimensional tolerances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Manufacturing precision

If the diameter of the capacitor varies due to manufacturing tolerances, then the elastic deformation of holding elements becomes unpredictable, but the capacitor must remain securely mounted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediameter toleranceVSAvoidmounting reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses elastic holding elements whose deformation parameters automatically adjust to accommodate varying capacitor diameters. The elastic material properties allow the holding elements to deform within a range that accommodates manufacturing tolerances while maintaining sufficient securing force across all acceptable diameter variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The holding structure is designed to universally accommodate capacitors within a range of diameters. The elastic holding elements and tab configuration provide a universal mounting solution that works for capacitors with different sizes within tolerance limits, eliminating the need for precision-matched components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Force

If strong elastic forces are used to secure heavy capacitors, then the capacitor remains in place, but the holding elements may suffer plastic deformations, creep, or fractures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecuring forceVSAvoidholding element strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The securing force is distributed across multiple holding element pairs acting on different axes, rather than concentrating high force on single elements. This segmentation allows each holding element to operate within its elastic deformation range, preventing plastic deformation, creep, or fracture even when securing heavy capacitors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic tab and holding elements are positioned to create counterbalancing forces that distribute the load from heavy capacitors. The tab exerts force along the first axis while holding elements provide forces along second and third axes, creating a balanced force system that prevents any single element from bearing excessive load.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

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

This solution provides a more reliable and secure mounting of capacitors, reducing the likelihood of noise and damage by ensuring the capacitor remains firmly in place, even under vibration, and is adaptable to various capacitor sizes and shapes.

Implementation Method 1

The elastic tab is arranged to exert a force on the capacitor towards the basis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The elastic holding elements exert a force on the capacitor to hold it in place

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

Along a third axis, perpendicular to both the first and the second axis, the capacitor is secured by friction on the elastic holding elements, the friction force arising due to the elastic force the holding elements exert on the capacitor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 4

A further friction force, securing the capacitor along the third axis arises from the elastic force the elastic tab exerts on the capacitor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4270428A1Mounting structure for a capacitor
Publication Date: 2023.11.01 VEONEER SWEDEN SAFETY SYST AB
  • EP4270428A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4270428A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4270428A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A mounting structure (100) for a capacitor (300) has at least one pair of elastic holding elements (31, 32, 33, 34) to receive the capacitor (300) between them. The holding elements (31, 32, 33, 34) are located on a basis (2). The mounting structure (100) furthermore has an elastic tab (50) which is arranged such that the capacitor (300) is to be received between the tab (50) and the basis (2). The tab (50) is configured to exert a force on the capacitor (300) towards the basis (2). The mounting structure (100) can be part of an electronic control unit (400). The electronic control unit (400) may be in a vehicle (500).