Clip-in Support Ring for Sensor Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor devices face challenges in securely fixing and electrically connecting electronic module assemblies (EMAs) to their housings, particularly in providing robust mechanical and electrical continuity while maintaining electromagnetic compatibility.
Innovation Solution
A clip-in support ring with a spring force mechanism, comprising an arm and a hook, is used to securely fix the EMA to the housing, providing both mechanical and electrical continuity through flexible beams and legs, and affixed using spot welding for enhanced stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing mounting assemblies use multiple separate components (attachment plate, elastic retainer, stop lip, pins) to secure the detection device, then the device can be constrained in multiple directions, but the device complexity and number of parts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate mounting components (attachment plate, elastic retainer, stop lip, pins) into a single integrated support ring structure. The support ring includes an arm with spring mechanism and a hook, all formed as one piece, thereby reducing the number of parts while maintaining the mechanical constraint reliability through the integrated design.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the support ring is affixed to the housing using rigid connection methods, then structural stability is improved, but electrical continuity and electromagnetic compatibility may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical property parameter of the support ring by incorporating a flexible arm with spring mechanism. This allows the structure to provide both mechanical stability through the affixed connection and electrical continuity through the flexible, conductive arm that maintains good electrical contact between the EMA and housing while accommodating thermal and mechanical variations.
3Force
If the arm is made completely rigid to provide strong spring force, then the clamping force on the EMA is improved, but the arm cannot accommodate thermal expansion or manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by designing the arm as a flexible structure with spring mechanism rather than a completely rigid component. The arm includes a first portion extending downward and a second portion extending upward, creating a compliant structure that can dynamically adjust to thermal expansion, manufacturing tolerances, and EMA positioning variations while maintaining adequate clamping force through the spring mechanism.
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
The solution ensures a robust mechanical and electrical connection, maintaining EMA stability and electromagnetic compatibility by combining spring and reaction forces, and providing electrical continuity between the EMA and the housing.
Implementation Method 1
an arm at a first end of the support ring, the arm providing a spring force to the EMA
Implementation Method 2
The affixed support ring may provide electrical continuity between the housing and the EMA
Data Source
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AI summary
In an embodiment, a support ring may include an arm and a hook. The arm may be located at a first end of the support ring. The arm may provide a spring force to a circuit board that is loaded in the support ring. The hook may be located at a second end of the support ring. The hook may extend upward from the support ring. The second end may be opposite the first end. The hook may provide a reaction force on the circuit board. The reaction forced may be a force in reaction to the spring force. The support ring may include one or more legs. The legs may extend downward from the support ring.