Circuit Board Clamp Mechanism for Safe Socket Insertion

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The insertion of fragile circuit boards into sockets often results in bending and deterioration due to manual handling, and poses risks of static electricity damage, while also causing operator fatigue and repetitive strain injuries.

Innovation Solution

A clamp tool with a hollow casing and a clamp mechanism, featuring a handle and base designed to hold the circuit board securely between stop elements, reducing the need for repetitive wrist movements and preventing static electricity transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual insertion is used, then the operator can directly insert the circuit board, but the circuit board may bend and deteriorate due to applied force

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedirect insertionVSAvoidcircuit board integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a clamp tool as an intermediary device between the operator's hand and the circuit board. The clamp mechanism with movable clamp elements provides controlled gripping force, distributing the insertion force evenly across the circuit board edges rather than concentrated finger pressure, thus preventing bending and deterioration while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If manual handling is used, then the operator can handle the circuit board directly, but static electricity may be transmitted from hands to the circuit board

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedirect handlingVSAvoidstatic electricity damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp tool serves as an intermediary that eliminates direct contact between the operator's hands and the circuit board. By gripping the circuit board through the clamp mechanism's clamp elements rather than fingers, the transmission path for static electricity is broken, protecting sensitive electronic components while maintaining operational ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If repetitive manual insertion is performed, then the insertion operation can be completed, but the operator experiences chronic pain and fatigue

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsertion operation completionVSAvoidoperator comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp tool is designed with a trigger-actuated clamp mechanism that automatically grips and releases the circuit board. The operator simply triggers the clamp to close on the board edge, performs the insertion, and releases the trigger for automatic release. This self-servicing mechanism eliminates repetitive manual gripping and positioning gestures, reducing operator fatigue and discomfort while maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If a clamp tool is used, then the circuit board is protected from damage, but the tool requires installation and removal time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit board protectionVSAvoidtool installation and removal
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp tool features an automatic clamp mechanism activated by a trigger. The clamp elements automatically engage with the circuit board when the trigger is pulled and automatically release when the trigger is released. This self-servicing operation eliminates the need for manual installation and removal steps, making the tool ready for use instantly while maintaining circuit board protection throughout the insertion process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

5Ease of operation

If a tool is designed to insert multiple circuit boards at once, then repetitive movements are reduced, but precise installation is required which may be time consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverepetitive movements reductionVSAvoidprecise installation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp tool's automatic trigger-actuated mechanism provides precise positioning and gripping without requiring manual alignment or adjustment by the operator. The clamp elements automatically engage with the circuit board edge at the correct position when the trigger is pulled, eliminating the need for time-consuming precise installation while still allowing for efficient batch processing of multiple circuit boards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4567557A1A clamp tool for inserting a circuit board into a socket
Publication Date: 2025.06.11 BULL SA
  • EP4567557A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4567557A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4567557A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a clamp tool (1) for inserting a circuit board (2) into a socket, said clamp tool (1) comprising a hollow casing (10) and a clamp mechanism (20), said casing (10) comprising a handle (110) and a base (120).