Capacitor Support With Flexible Arms to Free PCB Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing capacitor support designs for printed circuit boards often occupy valuable space and require complex mounting procedures, which can cause stress or damage to the board.
Innovation Solution
A capacitor support with a base plate and flexible arms that cooperates with a capacitor to be mounted in a form and force fitting manner inside a housing, allowing for secure and space-efficient mounting above the printed circuit board.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the capacitor support is mounted directly to the printed circuit board using legs, then the capacitor can be securely connected to the board, but valuable space on the printed circuit board is occupied and complex mounting procedures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitor support is extracted from the printed circuit board mounting system and relocated to the housing cover. The support structure is separated from the board itself, allowing the capacitor to be mounted on the housing cover rather than directly on the board, thereby simplifying the mounting procedure and freeing up board space.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing cover serves as an intermediary structure between the capacitor and the printed circuit board. The capacitor support is mounted to the housing cover, which then provides the mounting surface for the capacitor, eliminating the need for complex direct mounting to the board while maintaining secure electrical connection through the housing structure.
2Area of stationary object
If the capacitor support is mounted inside the housing onto the housing cover, then space on the printed circuit board is saved, but the mounting structure must be integrated into the housing design
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitor support mounting structure is merged with the housing cover design. The support structure is integrated into the housing cover itself, combining the housing function with the capacitor mounting function, thereby saving space on the printed circuit board while maintaining a unified structural design.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing cover is given multiple functions: it serves as both the protective enclosure for the housing and as the mounting surface for the capacitor support. This multi-functionality allows the capacitor to be mounted inside the housing onto the cover, freeing up printed circuit board space while utilizing the existing housing structure.
3Reliability
If traditional capacitor mounting methods are used with legs and clips, then the capacitor can be retained in the housing, but stress or damage may be caused to the printed circuit board
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitor support structure is extracted from the printed circuit board and relocated to the housing cover. By removing the mounting structure from the board itself, the source of stress and potential damage is eliminated, while the capacitor remains securely retained through the support structure mounted on the housing cover.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing cover acts as an intermediary that bears the mounting loads and stresses, protecting the printed circuit board from direct stress and damage. The capacitor support is mounted to the housing cover rather than the board, allowing secure capacitor retention while isolating the board from harmful mechanical stresses.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a capacitor support (10) for mounting in a housing (7) for a printed circuit board (3), which is placed inside the housing (7). The housing comprises at least a housing base (8) and a housing cover (9). The capacitor support (10) has a base plate (12) which carries a plurality of flexible arms (14) which extend upwards from the base plate (12). The flexible arms (14) cooperate in a form and force fitting manner with a capacitor to be mounted onto an inner surface (91) of the housing cover (9).