Circuit Board Fixing Apparatus With Recessed Cushioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Circuit boards are at risk of damage during the process of removing components due to inadequate holding mechanisms, which can lead to physical stress and potential destruction.

Innovation Solution

A fixing apparatus comprising a cover plate, base, connecting assembly, and latching assembly that cooperatively clamp and secure the circuit board in place, using a recess to prevent squeezing and positioning blocks to maintain alignment, along with a cushion member to absorb pressure and a suction device to adhere the board firmly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a simple holding mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the circuit board is at risk of damage during component removal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit board protectionVSAvoidholding mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holding mechanism is divided into multiple independent components: a base plate with positioning blocks, a cover plate with recess, and connecting/latching assemblies. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function (positioning, clamping, protecting) while maintaining overall system reliability without excessive complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The recess in the cover plate is designed to accommodate the circuit board with predetermined cushioning, preventing direct contact between the circuit board and the rigid cover plate. This beforehand cushioning protects the circuit board from damage during component removal while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure

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

2Reliability

If a rigid clamping mechanism is used, then the circuit board is held securely, but the circuit board may be squeezed or damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit board securityVSAvoidphysical stress on circuit board
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The recess in the cover plate creates a cushioning space between the circuit board and the rigid cover plate surface. This beforehand cushioning design ensures that when the cover plate is closed, the circuit board is held securely without being squeezed or damaged by direct rigid contact

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

Solution Approach 2:

The cover plate acts as a flexible element that can deform slightly under compression, providing adaptive cushioning to the circuit board. This flexible design allows secure holding while distributing pressure evenly to prevent localized stress concentration that could damage the circuit board

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If no positioning mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the circuit board may deviate during component removal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit board positioning accuracyVSAvoidpositioning mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning function is segmented into multiple positioning blocks arranged at different locations on the base plate. Each positioning block independently constrains the circuit board in a specific direction, achieving accurate positioning through simple, discrete elements rather than a complex integrated mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning blocks are designed to automatically engage with the circuit board edges when the cover plate is closed, providing self-aligning positioning without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms. The circuit board itself serves as the reference for positioning, eliminating the need for external positioning devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Effectively prevents damage to the circuit board by securely holding it in place during component removal, ensuring the board remains undamaged and aligned, thereby facilitating safe and efficient repair processes.

Implementation Method 1

a suction mechanism to ensure flat adhesion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentUS10455720B2Fixing apparatus for holding circuit board in place
Publication Date: 2019.10.22 FU TAI HUA IND SHENZHEN
  • US10455720B2 patent drawing
  • US10455720B2 patent drawing
  • US10455720B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A fixing apparatus for holding a circuit board in place includes a cover plate, a base for supporting the circuit board thereon, a connecting assembly for hinge-coupling a first end of the cover plate to the base, and a latching assembly for latching a second end of the cover plate to the base. The circuit board is held in place between the base and the cover plate.