External Module PCB Alignment Using Floating Locking Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing external components in electronic devices face issues with assembly tolerances, leading to poor contact and structural damage due to inaccurate plugging into connection ports, which increases production and quality costs.
Innovation Solution
An external module with a first circuit board and locking component, allowing three-axis movement for alignment, where the hole diameter of the through hole is larger than the locking component's outer diameter, enabling precise plugging into a connector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the hole diameter of the through hole is made equal to the outer diameter of the locking component for precise positioning, then the positioning precision is improved, but the assembly tolerance cannot be accommodated and assembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the dimensional parameter relationship between the through hole and locking component from equal diameter to larger diameter. Specifically, the through hole diameter is designed to be larger than the locking component outer diameter, creating a diameter difference that allows the locking component to move freely within the through hole during assembly, thereby accommodating tolerance variations while maintaining positioning accuracy after assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustment capability by allowing the locking component to move relative to the through hole during the assembly process. This movement freedom enables the locking component to self-align and accommodate tolerance variations, transforming a static fixed-positioning structure into a dynamic adaptive structure that resolves the contradiction between precision and ease of assembly
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple positioning structures are added to reduce tolerance accumulation, then the assembly accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary positioning structures from the assembly system. By using a single locking component with movement freedom within a larger through hole, the patent removes the need for multiple positioning structures that would otherwise be required to control tolerance accumulation, thereby reducing structural complexity while maintaining assembly accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The locking component serves multiple functions: it provides positioning, accommodates tolerance variations through movement, and secures the assembly. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate components (positioning structures, tolerance compensation mechanisms, etc.), thereby reducing overall device complexity while achieving the desired assembly accuracy
3Manufacturing precision
If special assembly techniques are used to eliminate tolerance problems, then the assembly accuracy is improved, but the production time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the assembly system to self-adjust and self-align through the movement freedom of the locking component within the through hole. This self-service mechanism automatically compensates for tolerance variations during the assembly process itself, eliminating the need for special assembly techniques, skilled operators, or complex control procedures, thereby maintaining high assembly accuracy while preserving production efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
An external module is suitable for an electronic device. The external module includes a main body with an external housing, a first circuit board, a locking component and a connector. The first circuit board is disposed on the external housing in a first direction. The first circuit board has a first through hole and at least one electrical point is formed on one side of the first circuit board. The locking component is passed through the first through hole along a second direction and is securely disposed on the housing. The hole diameter of the first through hole is larger than the outer diameter of the locking component. The connector is disposed on a surface of the electronic device and aligned with the at least one electrical contact.