Elastic Mounting Member for Circuit Board Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for mounting electronic circuit boards in electronic devices, such as handheld radios, are time-consuming due to the need for multiple components and conventional mounting techniques, which do not effectively compensate for manufacturing tolerances.

Innovation Solution

A circuit board with an elastic mounting member, such as an adhesive film or rubber foam pad, that allows direct and simple mounting to a housing, featuring flexible connecting portions and grounding lugs for easy electrical connection and compensation of manufacturing tolerances.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional mounting techniques (screws, bolts, conducting springs) are used to mount the circuit board, then the circuit board can be securely mounted and grounded, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting securityVSAvoidassembly speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the mounting function and grounding function into a single integrated elastic mounting member. The mounting member simultaneously secures the circuit board to the housing and provides electrical ground connection through its conductive structure, eliminating the need for separate conducting springs or ground components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic mounting member serves multiple functions: mechanical mounting (securing the circuit board), electrical grounding (providing ground connection), and tolerance compensation (absorbing dimensional variations). This multi-functional design replaces multiple separate components with a single universal element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple components (conducting springs, mounting brackets) are used to achieve both mounting and grounding, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but the number of assembly steps increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the mounting component and grounding component into a single elastic mounting member with integrated conductive structure. The mounting member's body or protrusions directly provide the ground connection path to the housing, eliminating the need for separate conducting springs or ground brackets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic mounting member is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs mechanical mounting and electrical grounding functions. Its conductive material composition and structural design enable it to serve as both a structural support element and an electrical ground path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If rigid mounting methods are used, then precise positioning is achieved, but manufacturing tolerances cause assembly difficulties

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates the elastic nature of the mounting member as a pre-designed tolerance compensation mechanism. The elastic material is selected and configured to absorb dimensional variations and misalignments that occur during assembly, cushioning the effect of manufacturing tolerances before they cause assembly failures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the mechanical parameter of the mounting member from rigid to elastic. This parameter change allows the mounting member to deform elastically and accommodate dimensional variations in the circuit board and housing, making the assembly process more tolerant of manufacturing variations while maintaining secure mounting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Facilitates a quicker and more cost-effective assembly process by allowing the circuit board to be easily glued to the housing and connected to other components, while ensuring a low-resistance electrical contact and enhanced electromagnetic screening.

Implementation Method 1

the adhesive film is arranged on a bottom side of the elastic mounting member... the circuit board may be glued into the electronic device, particularly to the housing of the electronic device by means of the adhesive film

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

As the mounting member is elastic, manufacturing tolerances of the electronic circuit board and/or of the housing of the electronic device are compensated at least partially by the elastic mounting member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

the at least one grounding portion provides an electrical low-resistance contact to the at least one other electronic component

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP3962243B1Circuit board, control unit, electronic device, and method of assembling an electronic device
Publication Date: 2024.10.30 ROHDE & SCHWARZ GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3962243B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3962243B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3962243B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A circuit board (14) for a handheld radio is described. The circuit board (14) comprises a rigid mounting portion (22), a flexible connecting portion (24) for electronically connecting the circuit board (14) to other electronic components, at least one grounding portion (28) for grounding the circuit board (14), and at least one electronic circuit. The at least one electronic circuit is provided on a top side of the mounting portion (22). The mounting portion (22) comprises an elastic mounting member (36) on a bottom side of the mounting portion (22), which is opposite to the top side. Further, a control unit, an electronic device, and a method for assembling an electronic device are described.