Capacitor Mounting Structure With Locking Features for Vibration Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing capacitor mounting structures in electronic control units (ECUs) fail to securely retain capacitors during vibrations and drop tests without causing stress on the printed circuit board, leading to potential loosening, rattling, or deformation.
Innovation Solution
A mounting structure with a pair of opposing holding elements and locking features that interact to limit radial deflection, using extensions through the printed circuit board holes or cover locking features to provide additional retention force, ensuring the capacitor remains secured during vibrations and drop tests.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If elastic forces from plastic snaps are used to retain the capacitor, then the mounting structure can be simple and integrated into the housing part, but the capacitor may loosen and produce rattle noise during vibrations and drop tests
Solution Approach 1:
The holding element is segmented into distinct functional zones: a first portion that contacts the capacitor body for retention, and a second portion that extends through the printed circuit board to provide structural support and locking. This segmentation allows each portion to optimize its function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding element combines multiple functions into a single integrated component: capacitor retention, structural support, and board mounting. By merging these functions into one element, the overall device complexity is reduced while maintaining reliable capacitor retention through the combined action of its different portions.
2Device complexity
If elastic forces from plastic snaps are used to retain the capacitor, then the mounting structure can be simple, but stress is applied to the printed circuit board
Solution Approach 1:
The retention function is extracted from the printed circuit board and transferred to a dedicated holding element. The holding element's first portion provides the retaining force against the capacitor, while its second portion anchors to the board, thereby protecting the board from stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding element acts as an intermediary between the capacitor and the printed circuit board. It transmits and distributes forces through its structure, with the second portion extending through the board to provide a stable anchor, thereby reducing stress concentration on the board itself.
3Productivity
If the mounting structure uses only holding elements without locking features, then the assembly process remains simple, but the capacitor may become loose during vibrations and drop tests
Solution Approach 1:
The holding element is pre-configured with a specific geometry that enables automatic locking: the first portion is designed to engage the capacitor body, while the second portion extending through the board creates a locked position. This preliminary structural design ensures retention reliability without adding complex assembly steps.
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
The solution provides secure and reliable capacitor retention without inducing strain on the printed circuit board, maintaining the capacitor's position during vibrations and drop tests, while minimizing material and assembly changes.
Implementation Method 1
the mounting structure (cradle) simply relies on the interference between the holding elements (plastic snaps) and the capacitor, which means that the holding elements will be loaded with an elastic force to provide the necessary retention force
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a mounting structure (3) for a capacitor (4) in a housing part (9). The housing part (9) comprises a bottom (5) and a cover (9C) part. The mounting structure (3) is an integral part of the bottom (5) of the housing part (9): The mounting structure (3) is at least defined by a first pair (11) and a second pair (12) of two opposing holding elements (13). The housing (2) comprises at least one pair of locking features (42) that interact with the at least one pair of extensions (40). The pair of extensions (40) limit a radial defection (DR) of the opposing holding elements (13) and thereby secure the capacitor (4) in the mounting structure (3).