Enclosure Capping Structure Prevents Screw Loosening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing enclosures with electronic components on circuit boards face issues due to loose screws caused by vibrations, material creepage, and thermal changes, leading to potential damage and short circuits, and existing solutions are either complex or require additional components or increased production costs.
Innovation Solution
The enclosure design features a capping structure that limits the space above the screw, preventing it from becoming loose by ensuring the external end of the screw pushes against the enclosure part before fully exiting, thus securing the screw in place without additional components, allowing for efficient use of space and cost-effective production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If screws are used to fasten the circuit board to the enclosure, then the circuit board can be securely attached, but the screws may become loose due to vibrations, material creepage, and thermal changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate structure (the enclosure part with limited space) that acts as a mediator between the screw and the external environment. This structure prevents the screw from becoming loose by physically constraining its movement path, thereby maintaining reliable attachment without requiring additional locking components.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosure is segmented into specific regions, including a first region with limited space above the screw opening. This segmentation creates distinct functional zones: one for screw insertion and another that physically blocks screw displacement, thereby solving the reliability issue while maintaining the fastening function.
2Reliability
If additional components are added to prevent screw loosening, then screw retention reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the screw retention function directly into the enclosure structure itself. The first region of the enclosure part is designed to limit space above the screw opening, combining the enclosure's structural role with the screw retention function. This eliminates the need for separate locking components while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosure part serves multiple functions: it provides the structural housing, defines the mounting surface for the circuit board, and simultaneously prevents screw loosening through its geometric design. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by eliminating dedicated anti-loosening components.
3Reliability
If additional components are used to secure screws, then screw retention improves, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The screw retention function is merged into the enclosure part's geometry rather than requiring separate components. The first region with limited space is integrated into the enclosure's structure, allowing it to prevent screw loosening without adding separate parts. This reduces production costs by eliminating additional components and assembly steps.
4Reliability
If space is allocated for additional screw locking components, then screw retention reliability improves, but available space for electronic components decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the screw retention function into the existing enclosure structure rather than allocating separate space for locking components. The first region's geometric design provides retention functionality within the existing enclosure volume, preserving maximum space for electronic components while ensuring screw reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
An enclosure for electronic components with a base and a capping forming a room for receiving at least one circuit board at least one circuit board support positioned on the base for the support of the at least one circuit board. At least one fastening element attaches the at least one circuit board to the circuit board support through an engagement with the circuit board support, wherein the capping is formed and/or attached to the base in such a manner that room is formed between the fastening element and the capping in such a manner that a detachment of the fastening element from the circuit board support is prevented.