Flexible Reference Potential Clip for Deformation-Tolerant PCB Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical assemblies in aircraft bays are not compatible with assemblies that undergo deformations during use, leading to internal constraints in the circuit, and require numerous small components that complicate maintenance, as well as needing anti-corrosion protection.
Innovation Solution
An electrical assembly that includes an electrically conductive flexible clip with clamping pliers, an electrical contact heel, and a fixing mechanism to secure the heel against an electrical contact surface, allowing for relative displacement of the electrical circuit due to temperature changes, mechanical movements, or vibrations without inducing constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid assembly with screws, washers, spacers, and nuts is used to secure the circuit, then mechanical support is provided, but the assembly cannot accommodate deformations during use and induces internal stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the rigid assembly with a flexible printed circuit board that can dynamically adapt to deformations. The flexible PCB maintains mechanical support while accommodating movements and vibrations during aircraft operation, eliminating internal stresses through its inherent flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the mechanical properties of the circuit assembly from rigid to flexible. The flexible PCB changes its structural parameters to allow deformation without compromising electrical connectivity or mechanical support, enabling compatibility with aircraft bay deformations.
2Reliability
If traditional mechanical assembly with multiple small components is used, then secure fixation is achieved, but maintenance operations become complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the merging principle by integrating multiple separate components (circuit board, connectors, mounting elements) into a single flexible PCB assembly. This unified structure maintains secure fixation while dramatically simplifying maintenance, as the entire assembly can be replaced as one unit without handling numerous small components.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible PCB serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support, electrical connectivity, and accommodation of deformations. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby simplifying maintenance operations while maintaining reliable fixation.
3Reliability
If wire connections with terminals are used for electrical reference potential, then electrical connection is achieved, but anti-corrosion protection is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using a flexible PCB with inherently corrosion-resistant conductive traces instead of traditional wire connections with terminals that require anti-corrosion coatings. The flexible PCB's conductive pathways are designed to be durable and resistant to environmental degradation, eliminating the need for additional protective measures.
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
The assembly provides both mechanical support and electrical continuity in a single joint, simplifies maintenance operations, eliminates the need for anti-corrosion protection, and allows for flexible installation on aircraft bay shelves without inducing mechanical constraints in the electrical circuit.
Implementation Method 1
An electrical assembly which includes an electrically conductive flexible clip... allowing for relative displacement of the electrical circuit due to temperature changes, mechanical movements, or vibrations without inducing constraints
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a reference potential assembly and an attachment assembly for an electrical circuit, said assembly comprising an electrically conductive flexible clip (30) which comprises: - an electrical circuit clamping conductor clamp; - an electrical contact stub (42); - an attachment (43) adapted to clamp the electrical contact stub (42) against an electrical contact surface.