Electronic Module Holding Element for PCB Surface Utilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic modules for motor vehicle actuators face challenges in maximizing the use of space on printed circuit boards due to direct attachment methods, which limit the placement of additional components and hinder heat dissipation and vibration resistance.

Innovation Solution

The electronic component is held at a distance from the printed circuit board using a recessed holding element, creating a receiving space that allows for additional components and improved heat dissipation, while also providing stable attachment through pretensionable lugs and thermally conductive adhesive connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If electronic components are glued directly onto the surface of the printed circuit board, then the attachment is sufficiently firm and robust, but a relatively large surface area of the printed circuit board cannot be used

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment firmnessVSAvoidusable surface area of printed circuit board
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The holding element elevates the electronic component from the plane of the printed circuit board, utilizing the third dimension (vertical space) to resolve the conflict. By creating a receiving space between the component and board, the solution maintains strong attachment while preserving maximum usable surface area on the board for additional components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The holding element acts as an intermediary between the electronic component and the printed circuit board. This mediator provides both mechanical support for firm attachment and creates the necessary spacing to maximize the usable surface area of the board, eliminating the need for direct gluing that would consume board space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If electronic components are attached directly to the printed circuit board, then the attachment is robust, but heat dissipation is hindered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment robustnessVSAvoidheat dissipation
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

By transitioning from direct surface attachment to elevated mounting via the holding element, the solution introduces vertical spacing that enables heat dissipation pathways. The receiving space allows heat to dissipate away from the board while the holding element maintains robust mechanical attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Device complexity

If electronic components are attached directly to the printed circuit board, then the attachment is simple, but vibration resistance is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment simplicityVSAvoidvibration resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The holding element serves as an intermediary that enhances vibration resistance by providing a dedicated mounting structure with pretensionable lugs. This mediator absorbs and distributes vibration stresses, protecting both the electronic component and the printed circuit board while maintaining attachment simplicity through integrated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This solution increases the usable surface area of the printed circuit board, enhances vibration resistance, and improves heat dissipation, resulting in a more efficient and durable electronic module for motor vehicle actuators.

Implementation Method 1

thermally conductive adhesive connections

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3240375B1Electronic module with a holder element comprising an optimized design for improved the surface utilisation of the printed circuit board
Publication Date: 2022.09.07 SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO KG
  • EP3240375B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3240375B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3240375B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The invention relates to an electronic module (1) for an actuator usable in a motor vehicle, comprising a printed circuit board (2) and at least one electronic component (3) arranged on the printed circuit board, wherein the electronic component (3) is held at a distance from a surface (6) of the printed circuit board by means of a retaining element (4) such that a receiving space (5) is formed between the electronic component (3) and the printed circuit board (2); an actuator together with such an electronic module (1); and a method for assembling an electronic module (1).