Flexible Circuit Assembly Mounting for Precision Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for mounting electronics arrangements in limited spaces face challenges with misalignment due to tight size and fit requirements, which are time-consuming and costly to achieve.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize flexible attachments between the circuit assembly and support structures, allowing for lateral movement to facilitate alignment with a cover or housing, while maintaining a water-tight seal through a combination of flexible and rigid connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If tight dimensional tolerances are used for mounting electronics arrangements in limited spaces, then alignment precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mounting parameters from fixed rigid connections to flexible connections that allow movement. The flexible mounting arrangement enables the electronics arrangement to be mounted without tight dimensional tolerances by allowing lateral movement during alignment, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic flexibility into the mounting system by allowing the electronics arrangement to move laterally relative to the support structure. This dynamic capability enables alignment adjustment without requiring precise pre-positioning, reducing the need for tight tolerances and simplifying the mounting process.
2Manufacturing precision
If tight dimensional tolerances are required for alignment, then connector alignment is improved, but mounting time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mounting parameters to include flexibility and movement capability. This allows connectors to be aligned by moving the electronics arrangement laterally during mounting rather than requiring precise pre-alignment, significantly reducing mounting time while maintaining connector alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible mounting arrangement is designed in advance to accommodate alignment adjustments. This preliminary design of flexible connections allows operators to perform alignment by simple lateral movement rather than time-consuming precision positioning, reducing mounting time while ensuring proper connector alignment.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid mounting connections are used, then structural stability is improved, but alignment flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the mounting system into two distinct parts: a rigid support structure for structural stability and a flexible mounting arrangement for alignment flexibility. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specialized function - the rigid structure provides stability while the flexible connection enables alignment adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different mechanical properties to different parts of the mounting system. The support structure maintains rigid properties for stability, while the mounting arrangement has flexible properties for alignment. This local differentiation of mechanical qualities allows the system to simultaneously achieve structural stability and alignment flexibility.
4Volume of moving object
If limited space is available for electronics arrangements, then space utilization is improved, but alignment tolerance margin decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the alignment parameter from fixed positional tolerance to movement-based alignment. In limited spaces where tolerance margins are minimal, the flexible mounting arrangement allows lateral movement to compensate for small misalignments, enabling successful mounting even with reduced tolerance margins while maximizing space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustment capability that allows the electronics arrangement to move into proper alignment after mounting. This dynamic alignment capability is particularly valuable in limited spaces where static alignment tolerance margins are small, enabling effective use of available space without compromising alignment quality.
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 approach reduces the need for precise dimensional tolerances, simplifies the mounting process, and ensures proper alignment of connectors, thereby improving efficiency and reducing costs in electronics mounting applications.
Implementation Method 1
The first mounting arrangement may include a flexible attachment connecting the circuit assembly and the first support structure such that the circuit assembly is movable relative to the first support structure
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for mounting an electronics structure may include attaching a circuit assembly to a first support structure such that the circuit assembly is movable relative to the first support structure. It may also include at least partially covering the circuit assembly with a cover and moving the circuit assembly such that a predetermined portion of the circuit assembly is aligned with a predetermined portion of the cover. It may further include moving the cover such that the cover is attachable to a second support structure, and attaching the cover to the second support structure such that the predetermined portion of the circuit assembly remains aligned with the predetermined portion of the cover.