Elastic Filament Board Lock for Universal PCB Thickness

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing board locks for electronic components are limited to specific circuit board thicknesses, requiring multiple locks for different thicknesses, which is inefficient and increases manufacturing complexity.

Innovation Solution

The use of elastic members or filaments with catch mechanisms that can elongate or deform to fit through holes of varying thicknesses, providing a secure attachment by returning to their natural position and gripping the circuit board edge, allowing for universal compatibility across different board thicknesses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple board locks are used for different circuit board thicknesses, then compatibility with various board thicknesses is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with various board thicknessesVSAvoidnumber of different board locks required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The board lock is designed with an elastic member that can deform to accommodate different circuit board thicknesses. The elastic member acts as a universal solution that replaces multiple thickness-specific locks, allowing a single design to serve multiple functions across various board thicknesses (e.g., 0.062 inches, 0.093 inches, 0.125 inches).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The board lock incorporates an elastic member that dynamically adjusts its shape during insertion and retention. The member deforms from a first shape during insertion to accommodate different thicknesses, then transitions to a second shape to provide retention force, enabling adaptive functionality rather than fixed geometry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple board locks are used for different circuit board thicknesses, then compatibility with various board thicknesses is improved, but manufacturing efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with various board thicknessesVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic board lock design enables a single universal component to replace multiple thickness-specific components, streamlining the manufacturing process. Manufacturers no longer need to maintain inventories of different lock types for different board thicknesses, reducing assembly complexity and improving production efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If an elastic member is used to deform during insertion, then adaptability to different board thicknesses is improved, but the complexity of the board lock structure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different board thicknessesVSAvoidstructural complexity of board lock

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The board lock utilizes an elastic member that functions as a flexible structural element. This flexible component can deform during insertion to accommodate different board thicknesses and then return to its original shape to provide retention, replacing what would otherwise require complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

Enables secure retention of electronic components on circuit boards of varying thicknesses during soldering, reducing the need for multiple board locks and simplifying manufacturing processes.

Implementation Method 1

one or more groups of one or more elastic filaments affixed to the electronic component body, wherein the elastic filaments are adapted to deform to a constricted position when a constrictive force is applied and upon removal of the constrictive force return to a natural position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

placing a tube over each group of one or more elastic filaments, wherein the tube is adapted to contain each group of filaments in the constricted position in order to allow insertion of the tube and the group of one or more elastic filaments into a hole of a circuit board

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical containment: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS9907185B2Method of affixing a group of elastic filaments to an electronic component body

Publication Date: 2018.02.27 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

According to embodiments of the invention, an electronic component assembly may be provided. The electronic component assembly may include an electronic component body. The electronic component assembly may also include one or more elastic members affixed to the electronic component body. The electronic component assembly may also include a catch mechanism affixed to each elastic member adapted to allow insertion of the elastic member and the catch mechanism through a hole of a circuit board in an extended position, and upon release from the extended position, hold the electronic component body in a fixed position by the tension of the elastic member and the catch mechanism grasping an edge of a surface of the circuit board opposite a surface upon which the electronic component body rests.