Circuit Board Module Locking Structure Without Loose Screws
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of improving the workability of attaching and detaching electronic modules on circuit boards, particularly in electronic devices like laptops, where screws can fall or get lost, leading to reduced efficiency and maintainability.
Innovation Solution
A circuit board design incorporating a supporting tool with a stud member, lock member, and torque generating portion that allows for secure attachment and detachment of electronic modules without screws, using a rotatable lock member and resistance member to apply rotational torque.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screws are used to support the electronic module, then the module can be securely fixed to the circuit board, but the screws may fall into the chassis or be lost, reducing workability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fastening function from traditional screws and integrates it into a supporting tool with a lock member that can be rotated to lock and unlock positions. This eliminates loose screws from the system while maintaining secure fixation capability through the integrated locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the supporting and locking functions into a single integrated supporting tool assembly. The stud member provides support while the lock member integrated onto the stud member provides locking, combining multiple functions into one component that eliminates the need for separate screws.
2Ease of operation
If a rotatable lock member is used instead of screws, then the workability of attaching and detaching modules is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting tool is designed as a multi-functional component where the stud member provides both mechanical support and the integrated lock member provides both positioning and locking functions. This consolidation of multiple functions into a single assembly reduces the number of separate parts despite the increased complexity of individual components.
3Reliability
If a torque generating portion is added to the lock member, then the locking reliability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The torque generating portion is merged with the lock member as an integrated component rather than a separate mechanism. This integration, while adding manufacturing complexity, consolidates the torque generation function within the existing lock member structure, avoiding the need for additional separate components and simplifying the overall assembly process.
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
Enhances the operability and maintainability of electronic modules by ensuring stable and efficient attachment and detachment, reducing the risk of screws getting lost and improving user-replaceable functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a resistance member that applies a rotational torque to the rotation of the lock member
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit board includes: a connector connecting one end of an electronic module, and a supporting tool supporting the other end of the electronic module, both being mounted on the circuit board (the supporting tool includes a stud member having a flange fixed to a surface of the circuit board and a protruding portion rising from the flange); a lock member which is supported so as to be rotatable relative to the protruding portion and is switchable between a locked position in which the other end of the electronic module is pressed and an unlocked position in which the other end is released from pressing; and a torque generating portion which applies a rotational torque to the rotation of the lock member.