Fixing Structure for Circuit Boards in Compact Electronic Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electronic devices with limited inner space, circuit boards are vulnerable to external impacts due to insufficient screw coupling length, and varying screw lengths for different boards lead to inconsistent fixing forces.
Innovation Solution
A fixing structure that includes a boss protruding from the housing with a support portion and an extending portion, combined with a reinforcing member on the circuit board, allows for a screw to penetrate both, providing a stable coupling and uniform fixing force across multiple circuit boards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a screw with sufficient coupling length is used to fix the circuit board, then the coupling stiffness and reliability are improved, but the inner space of the electronic device is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing structure is segmented into two parts: a boss integrated with the housing and a reinforcing member attached to the circuit board. The screw connects these two separate components, effectively dividing the coupling path to achieve sufficient engagement length without requiring excessive insertion depth into a single component.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcing member acts as an intermediary element between the screw and the circuit board. It provides additional engagement surface for the screw threads, enabling sufficient coupling stiffness while maintaining a compact overall structure that fits within the limited inner space.
2Volume of moving object
If a screw with short coupling length is used to fit the limited inner space, then the inner space constraint is satisfied, but the circuit board becomes vulnerable to external impact and the screw may loosen over time
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the fixing structure into a boss and a reinforcing member, the effective coupling length is extended without increasing the overall footprint. The screw engages with both the boss (providing structural support) and the reinforcing member (providing additional thread engagement), achieving durable fixation within compact dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing structure combines different functional elements: the boss made from housing material providing structural support, and the reinforcing member attached to the circuit board providing additional engagement surface. This composite approach enhances fixing durability while maintaining compact size.
3Adaptability or versatility
If screws of different lengths are used to fix multiple circuit boards with different positions, then each circuit board can be fixed appropriately, but the fixing forces become inconsistent and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The boss structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, defines the screw engagement point, and ensures consistent fixing force distribution. This universal design allows the same boss-screw configuration to be used for multiple circuit boards at different positions, maintaining fixing force consistency without requiring different screw lengths.
Solution Approach 2:
The boss is designed with specific local features (protrusion shape, integrated structure) that concentrate and direct the fixing force uniformly. This localized structural quality ensures that regardless of the circuit board position, the fixing force remains consistent and controlled at the critical coupling point.
4Reliability
If a boss with sufficient protrusion length is used to provide adequate screw engagement, then the coupling stiffness is improved, but the inner space is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement path is segmented between the boss and the reinforcing member. The boss protrudes a moderate distance from the housing, and the reinforcing member attached to the circuit board provides the remaining engagement length. This segmentation allows sufficient total engagement for coupling stiffness while keeping the boss protrusion length within acceptable limits.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of extending the boss protrusion length in one dimension (which would exceed inner space), the engagement length is extended by adding the reinforcing member in another dimension (attached to the circuit board). This dimensional approach achieves sufficient coupling stiffness without increasing the boss protrusion length beyond available space.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic apparatus includes a housing, a display module disposed inside the housing and forming a portion of the surface of the electronic apparatus, a first substrate which is disposed inside the housing, and includes a first surface facing the display module and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a fixing structure for fixing the first substrate to the housing. The fixing structure includes a first boss protruding from the inner surface of the housing toward the first substrate and defining a first screw hole, a reinforcing member disposed on the first substrate, and a screw passing through the first boss and the reinforcing member. The first boss includes a support portion, which supports a second surface of the first substrate, and an extension portion, at least a portion of which extends from the support portion and protrudes to a first surface of the first substrate.