Detent Spring Latching Mechanism for PCB Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking mechanisms for electrical addressing devices on printed circuit boards face challenges in precise locking, especially when adjustments are made quickly, requiring high manufacturing precision and are difficult to assemble and fasten.
Innovation Solution
A latching device with a flat base plate and elongated recess in the printed circuit board, featuring a detent spring for precise latching engagement, allowing for easy assembly and quick accessibility, and distributing force uniformly across the adjustment means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cylindrical engagement means is used for form-fit latching, then the locking mechanism can engage in bores of the adjustment means, but precise locking becomes difficult when the adjustment means is moved very quickly and high manufacturing precision is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the form-fit mechanical latching system (cylindrical engagement means engaging in bores) with a spring-based detent mechanism. The detent spring with its engagement protrusion provides mechanical locking through elastic deformation and force application rather than relying on precise form-fit geometry, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining reliable locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the locking mechanism from a rigid form-fit system to a flexible spring-based system. By introducing elastic parameters through the detent spring, the system can accommodate variations in manufacturing tolerances and still achieve reliable locking, as the spring can deform to compensate for dimensional variations.
2Reliability
If a form-fit latching mechanism is used, then the cylindrical engagement means can engage in bores, but the device becomes difficult to assemble and fasten
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex form-fit latching mechanism with a simpler spring-based detent system. The detent spring can be easily attached to the base plate and provides automatic engagement through its elastic properties, significantly simplifying the assembly process while maintaining reliable locking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The detent spring provides self-service locking functionality through its elastic deformation. When the adjustment means is moved, the detent spring automatically engages or disengages from the engagement protrusion based on the position, eliminating the need for complex manual assembly or adjustment procedures.
3Reliability
If a detent spring with elongated spring leg is used for latching engagement, then precise and reliable latching is achieved, but the installation height of the adjustment means increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the z-dimension (vertical dimension perpendicular to the circuit board) by positioning the detent spring on the base plate that is mounted on the circuit board. The elongated spring leg extends in the z-direction to engage with the adjustment means, allowing precise latching without increasing the in-plane dimensions (x and y directions) of the assembly.
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 provides reliable and precise latching, reduces assembly complexity, and allows for easy exchangeability and improved assembly, while avoiding one-sided pressure loads on the adjustment means.
Implementation Method 1
a first detent spring (4) is attached to the base plate (2) with an elongated spring leg (7) for latching engagement with marking means (23) of the adjusting means (5)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for locking an adjusting element (5) mounted on a printed circuit board (1) extending in an x and/or y direction, in particular an electrical addressing device, wherein the device comprises an essentially plane base plate (2) having a length (L), a width (B), and a thickness (D), to which a first locking spring (4) is attached for the locking engagement with marking means (23, 23') of the adjustment element (5), which preferably has an oblong spring leg (7), wherein in an installed state, the base plate (2) is mounted on the printed circuit board (1).