Conductive Spacer Element for PCB Grounding and Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printed circuit board assemblies face challenges in maintaining improved electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) over a longer service life, particularly in power electronics applications.
Innovation Solution
A spacer element with a main body and a press-in element, made of electrically conductive material, is designed to space printed circuit boards from an opposite surface while providing a fastening function and electrical ground connection, ensuring reliable torque control and extended service life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spacer element is used to space printed circuit boards from a carrier element, then the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) is improved, but the service life deteriorates due to insufficient fastening stability
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer element merges three functions into a single component: spacing (maintaining distance between PCB and carrier), fastening (providing attachment points for fastening means), and electrical grounding (providing conductive path to ground). This integration ensures stable mechanical connection and reliable EMC over extended service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer element is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides mechanical spacing, structural support for fastening, and electrical conductivity for grounding. This universal design addresses multiple requirements with a single element, improving both reliability and durability.
2Device complexity
If a spacer element provides only spacing function, then the structure is simple, but the electromagnetic compatibility and service life are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer element combines spacing, fastening, and grounding functions into one component. The main body provides spacing and grounding, while the press-in element provides fastening capability, achieving multi-functionality without requiring multiple separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer element is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions: mechanical spacing through its main body, electrical grounding through conductive material, and fastening through the press-in element. This multi-functionality improves reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Device complexity
If the press-in element is arranged radially inwardly, then the fastening is compact, but the passageway for fastening means is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The press-in element is positioned asymmetrically relative to the passageway, specifically radially outwardly adjacent to it. This asymmetric arrangement allows the passageway to remain open for fastening means installation while the press-in element provides its fastening function at a different location.
Solution Approach 2:
The press-in element is arranged in a different radial dimension than the passageway centerline. By positioning it radially outwardly adjacent to the passageway rather than on the axis, the design allows both the passageway and press-in element to coexist without interference.
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 spacer element effectively enhances EMC and extends the service life of printed circuit board assemblies by providing a multi-functional solution for spacing, fastening, and electrical grounding, while maintaining good electrical conductivity.
Implementation Method 1
The press-in element provides a way for establishing gas-tight contacting by cold welding
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-functional spacer element for spacing at least one printed circuit board from an opposite spacing surface. The spacer element can not only accomplish the spacing of one or more printed circuit boards, but can also support a fastening function to a carrier element and an electrical ground connection. A passageway extends through the main body. The spacer element includes a press-in element. The spacer element 1 includes an electrically conductive material for electrically conducting from at least a first contact surface to the press-in element.