Conductive Fixing Member for Wiring Substrate Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices with paired wiring substrates face challenges in size reduction and easy assembly due to the need for additional space for connectors and fixation methods, which complicate assembly and reduce mounting area.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device configuration using a conductive fixing member that physically fixes and electrically connects paired wiring substrates, eliminating the need for separate fixation and connection spaces, allowing for size reduction and simplified assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a stud and screws are used to fix paired wiring substrates to each other, then the wiring substrates can be firmly fixed, but the mounting area for electronic components is reduced and the device size must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fixing function and electrical connection function into a single integrated fixing member. This fixing member includes both fixing portions that engage with the wiring substrates and connection portions that electrically connect them, eliminating the need for separate studs and screws. By merging these functions, the device achieves firm fixation while preserving mounting area for electronic components.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing member is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides mechanical fixation and electrical connection. The fixing portions engage with the wiring substrates to provide structural support, while the connection portions establish electrical pathways between the substrates. This universal component replaces multiple separate parts (studs, screws, connectors), thereby maintaining mounting area and reducing overall device size.
2Ease of manufacture
If wiring substrates are separately fixed to the housing, then assembly is simplified, but the assembly operation becomes significantly complicated when connectors must be fitted between substrates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fixing operation and electrical connection operation into a single integrated step. The fixing member is installed as one component, and during this installation, both the mechanical fixation to the housing and the electrical connection between wiring substrates are achieved simultaneously. This eliminates the need for separate assembly steps for fixation and connector fitting, thereby simplifying the overall assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing member is pre-configured with both fixing portions and connection portions in a predetermined arrangement. This preliminary configuration allows the component to perform multiple functions during a single installation operation. The fixing portions are positioned to engage with the housing while the connection portions are already aligned to establish electrical connections, eliminating the need for subsequent adjustment or separate connector installation.
3Ease of operation
If separate spaces are provided for connectors and fixation, then assembly is easier, but the device size is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple functional spaces into a single integrated region. The fixing member occupies a compact space that simultaneously serves as the fixation interface with the housing and the electrical connection interface between wiring substrates. By merging these functional zones, the device achieves ease of assembly through a unified component while minimizing the overall volume required for both fixation and connection operations.
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 enables both size reduction and easier assembly of electronic devices by using a conductive fixing member for both physical fixation and electrical connection, reducing component costs and improving mechanical strength while simplifying the assembly process.
Implementation Method 1
the fixing member is electrically conductive to the first electrically conductive portion by fixing the first fixing portion to the first wiring substrate. The fixing member is electrically conductive to the second electrically conductive portion by fixing the second fixing portion to the second wiring substrate. The external connection terminal is electrically conductive to the fixing member by electrically connecting the fixing member to the external connection terminal.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a housing, first and second wiring substrates disposed to face each other, a fixing member that is made of an electrically conductive member and fixes the first and second wiring substrates to each other, and an external connection terminal provided in the housing. The fixing member has first and second fixing portions, and is interposed between the first and second wiring substrates. The fixing member is electrically conductive to a first electrically conductive portion provided in the first wiring substrate by fixing the first fixing portion to the first wiring substrate. The fixing member is electrically conductive to a second electrically conductive portion provided in the second wiring substrate by fixing the second fixing portion to the second wiring substrate. The external connection terminal is electrically conductive to the fixing member by electrically connecting the fixing member to the external connection terminal.