Capacitor Mounting Structure With Ratchet Fixation for Diameter Tolerance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing capacitor mounting structures struggle to accommodate large tolerances in capacitor diameter and distance between holding elements, leading to potential gaps or over-stress, which can cause rattling noise, deformation, or fractures.

Innovation Solution

A mounting structure with a ratchet mechanism using a first and second pair of holding elements, each with an inner circular arc surface and a nose-recess configuration, allowing for secure fixation regardless of capacitor diameter variations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the mounting structure relies on interference between holding elements and capacitor, then the capacitor is held in place, but tolerance variations cause gaps leading to rattling noise or over-stressed holding elements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapacitor fixation reliabilityVSAvoidrattling noise and deformation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the holding elements by introducing circular arc surfaces with specific curvature radii that match the capacitor diameter. This allows the holding elements to adapt to tolerance variations in capacitor diameter while maintaining reliable contact and preventing gaps that cause rattling noise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies curved surfaces (circular arcs) to the holding elements instead of flat or sharp edges. The circular arc surfaces with curvature radii matching the capacitor diameter enable smooth contact adaptation to tolerance variations, distributing stress evenly and preventing both gaps and over-stressing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Force

If the holding elements are made elastic to provide retention force, then the capacitor is secured, but large capacitor diameters cause over-stressing leading to plastic or permanent deformations

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

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the holding elements by introducing circular arc surfaces with curvature radii matching the capacitor diameter. This geometric adaptation allows elastic holding elements to maintain appropriate contact pressure across varying capacitor diameters, preventing both insufficient retention and over-stressing that leads to deformation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs the holding elements with pre-calculated curvature radii that anticipate and accommodate capacitor diameter variations. This beforehand cushioning through geometric design ensures that elastic deformation remains within safe limits regardless of capacitor tolerance variations, preventing permanent deformation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Device complexity

If the mounting structure uses a simple snap-fit solution, then the device complexity is low, but it cannot accommodate large tolerances in capacitor diameter and distance between holding elements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting structure complexityVSAvoidtolerance accommodation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces specific geometric parameters (circular arc surfaces with curvature radii matching capacitor diameter) to the simple snap-fit structure. This parameter modification enables the mounting structure to accommodate large tolerances in capacitor diameter and distance between holding elements while maintaining relatively simple device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates curved surfaces (circular arcs) into the holding elements, transforming a simple snap-fit solution into a tolerance-adaptive mounting structure. The curvature allows automatic adjustment to varying capacitor dimensions without significantly increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 durable and secure fixation of capacitors across a wide range of diameters, preventing rattling and plastic deformation, while maintaining high pull-out forces.

Implementation Method 1

the holding elements will be loaded with an elastic force to provide the necessary retention force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4167259B1Mounting structure for a capacitor
Publication Date: 2026.04.15 VEONEER SWEDEN SAFETY SYST AB
  • EP4167259B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4167259B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4167259B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a mounting structure (3) for a capacitor (4). A second pair (12) of holding elements (13) is defined by a first arm (31) and a second arm (32), each having an inner circular arc surface (34) with a curvature being the same as the curvature of a surface (20) of the capacitor (4). In order to fix the capacitor (4) in the mounting structure (3), a nose (35) is formed at a free end (36) of the first arm (31) and at least one recess (37) is formed at a free end (38) of the second arm (32). When nose (35) and one of the at least one recess (37) cooperate, the capacitor (4) is fixed in position.