Dual Circuit Board Fixing for Vibration Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electric power converting apparatuses face challenges in achieving high vibration resistance due to the size increase of controlling circuit boards, which reduces packing density and resonant frequencies, and the use of supporting posts that occupy space and limit part mounting.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus features a dual controlling circuit board configuration where the first and second circuit boards are electrically connected on facing inner planes, fixed using different fixing members, allowing independent positioning and reducing size, thereby enhancing vibration resistance and packing density.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If connectors and signal harnesses are used to electrically connect controlling circuit boards, then electrical connection is achieved, but packing density decreases and circuit board size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidcontrolling circuit board area

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the electrical connection function directly into the mechanical fixing structure by integrating connectors into the circuit board assembly, eliminating the need for separate signal harnesses. This integration reduces the overall space required while maintaining reliable electrical connections between stacked circuit boards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the signal harness from the system by implementing direct electrical contacts through the circuit board layers themselves. This removal of the external harness reduces packing density issues and allows for more compact circuit board design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If supporting posts are used to fix controlling circuit boards, then vibration resistance is improved, but spaces for part mounting are reduced and packing density decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibration resistanceVSAvoidavailable mounting area

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the fixing function from the supporting structure by using distributed fixing members that attach to multiple points on the circuit board edges rather than single central supporting posts. This segmentation allows parts to be mounted in the previously occupied spaces while maintaining vibration resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from vertical supporting posts to edge-based fixing members that constrain the circuit boards in multiple dimensions. This dimensional change allows the circuit boards to be securely fixed while preserving the central areas for part mounting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If circuit board size is increased to improve part mounting flexibility, then packing density decreases, but vibration resistance is reduced due to lower resonant frequencies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepart mounting flexibilityVSAvoidvibration resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by concentrating the fixing function at the circuit board edges while keeping the central mounting areas flexible and unconstrained. This localized fixing approach maintains small overall board size for high resonant frequencies while providing sufficient flexibility for part mounting in the central regions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Ease of operation

If housing size is increased to accommodate larger circuit boards, then circuit board mounting is easier, but housing resonant frequency decreases reducing overall vibration resistance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecircuit board mounting easeVSAvoidhousing vibration resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional approach by fixing circuit boards to the housing through edge-based fixing members rather than requiring a large housing interior. This inversion allows the housing to remain compact for high resonant frequency while still providing easy circuit board mounting through the standardized fixing member interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS10348216B2Electric power converting apparatus with inner plane of control board fixed to housing

Publication Date: 2019.07.09 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP

AI summary

An electric power converting apparatus includes: a first controlling circuit board disposed inside a housing; and a second controlling circuit board disposed inside the housing on an opposite side of the first controlling circuit board from a power module, wherein: an inner plane of the first controlling circuit board is fixed to a cooler or the housing by a first fixing member on an opposite side of the first controlling circuit board from the second controlling circuit board; an inner plane of the second controlling circuit board is fixed to the housing by a second fixing member on an opposite side of the second controlling circuit board from the first controlling circuit board; and the first controlling circuit board and the second controlling circuit board are electrically connected on facing inner planes of the first controlling circuit board and the second controlling circuit board.