Metal Housing Circuit Board Support via Segmented Chassis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic circuit units with metal housings and secured connectors often damage conductive patterns and soldered portions on printed circuit boards due to repeated stress from connector operations, and can cause the circuit board to rattle in on-vehicle equipment.
Innovation Solution
The electronic circuit unit features a metal housing with a first and second chassis, where the circuit board is supported by inwardly bent support pieces and a pressing projection, minimizing stress and preventing movement, with support holes and projections ensuring secure positioning and attachment without screws.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the circuit board is only pinched between the upper and lower casing bodies, then the structure is simple, but large stress acts on the printed circuit board when connectors are repeatedly operated
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is segmented into multiple locations: the lower casing body has a first support piece, the upper casing body has a second support piece, and additional third and fourth support pieces are provided. This distributes the stress from connector operations across multiple support points rather than concentrating it at a single pinching location, thereby protecting the circuit board while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
Support pieces are strategically positioned at specific locations where stress concentration occurs during connector operations. The lower casing body includes a first support piece with a support hole, and the upper casing body includes a second support piece with a support hole. These localized support structures provide targeted reinforcement exactly where needed, preventing board damage without requiring complex overall restructuring.
2Stability of the object's composition
If screws are used to secure the circuit board to the casing, then the circuit board is firmly held, but the number of man-hours for assembly is increased and space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The support pieces are designed with elastic engagement pieces that automatically engage with the circuit board and casing bodies during assembly. The elastic engagement pieces deform and lock into place without requiring manual screwing operations. This self-securing mechanism provides firm holding of the circuit board while eliminating the time-consuming screw assembly process, thereby improving productivity without sacrificing stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional screw-based mechanical fastening system is replaced with an elastic engagement system. The elastic engagement pieces on the support pieces provide a snap-fit or clip-based connection between the circuit board and the casing bodies. This substitution eliminates the need for threaded fasteners while maintaining secure attachment, reducing assembly steps and time.
3Volume of moving object
If the circuit board is pinched between the upper and lower casing bodies, then the structure is compact, but the circuit board is likely to move and rattle in on-vehicle equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is divided into multiple support pieces positioned at different locations: first and second support pieces for primary support, and third and fourth support pieces for additional stabilization. This segmented approach prevents the circuit board from moving or rattling by providing distributed support points, while the overall structure remains compact as all support pieces are integrated into the existing casing bodies without adding external bulk.
Data Source
AI summary
A housing includes a first chassis and a second chassis which are each formed of a metal sheet. Support projections integrally formed with support pieces formed in the first chassis are fitted into support holes of a circuit board on both left and right sides of a connector. A lower surface of the circuit board is supported by receiving portions formed in the support pieces, and part of the circuit board facing the connector is pressed downward by a pressing projection formed in the second chassis.