Flexible PCB Standoff Clip for Universal Edge Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current standoff fixtures for circuit boards are specific to individual types and sizes, requiring multiple fixtures and modifications, which increases costs and risks damage due to their inflexibility in accommodating varied circuit board designs and sizes.
Innovation Solution
A flexible standing clip with adjustable support legs that can be clipped anywhere along the circuit board edges, allowing for secure suspension of boards of varying sizes and shapes without the need for custom fixtures or holes, made from electrostatic dissipative and chemically resistant materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If circuit board specific standoff fixtures are used, then mounting precision for specific board types is improved, but device complexity and inventory costs increase due to needing multiple fixtures for different board types
Solution Approach 1:
The standoff fixture is designed with an adjustable arm that can be positioned at multiple locations along the circuit board edge, allowing a single fixture design to accommodate various board sizes and types. The arm can be repositioned to different spacing intervals (e.g., 1 inch, 2 inches, 3 inches) from the board edge, providing universal applicability across different board configurations without requiring multiple specialized fixtures.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixture incorporates a movable or adjustable arm mechanism that allows dynamic repositioning of the support point. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the same fixture to adapt to different board dimensions and mounting requirements, resolving the contradiction between precision mounting and fixture variety by providing precision through adjustability rather than through multiple fixed designs.
2Device complexity
If generic threaded standoff fixtures are used, then device complexity is reduced, but mounting precision and board integrity worsen due to requiring holes to be made in the circuit board
Solution Approach 1:
The fixture separates the mounting function into two distinct components: the base that attaches to the board edge without modification, and the adjustable arm that provides the support function. This segmentation allows the base to maintain board integrity by clamping to the edge, while the arm provides the necessary support at the required distance, avoiding the need for holes through the board.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable arm acts as an intermediary element between the base and the circuit board, providing support at a distance from the board edge without requiring direct penetration or modification of the board. This intermediary mechanism maintains board integrity while achieving the support function, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable support legs are used, then adaptability to various board sizes is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The fixture employs a flexible or spring-loaded arm mechanism that can bend or extend to accommodate different board sizes and thicknesses. This flexible component provides adaptability through elastic deformation rather than complex mechanical adjustments, allowing the arm to conform to various board dimensions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
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
Enables cost-effective, universal mounting of circuit boards during assembly, handling, and storage, reducing damage risks and inventory costs by accommodating a range of sizes and shapes while maintaining a secure grip and preventing electrostatic discharge.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible grip may be depressible from a first state in which the gap is a first size to a second state in which the gap is a second size
Implementation Method 2
The first and second support legs may be oriented substantially vertically in the second state to clamp and suspend the object above a desired surface
Implementation Method 3
made from electrostatic dissipative and chemically resistant materials
Data Source
AI summary
A standing clip for supporting an object in an upright position includes a flexible grip having an upper lever arm, a lower lever arm, and first and second support legs. The first support leg extends from the upper lever arm at a second end of the flexible grip, and the second support leg extends from the lower lever arm at the second end of the flexible grip. The first and second support legs include complimentary clamping surfaces configured for clamping the object therebetween, and are spaced apart from each other by a gap. The flexible grip is depressible from a first state in which the gap is a first size to a second state in which the gap is a second size. The first and second support legs are oriented substantially vertically in the second state to clamp and suspend the object above a desired surface.