Flexible Shoulder Pin Module for PCB Panel Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shoulder pins in computing systems have a fixed clearance that can cause unwanted floating of printed circuit boards (PCBs) and panels due to their thickness variations, leading to bowing and turning issues during installation.
Innovation Solution
A flexible shoulder pin module comprising a barrel, a shoulder pin, a stopper panel, and a compressible device, where the shoulder pin can adjustably extend to secure panels of varying thicknesses, using a through-hole with different diameters to accommodate and clamp the panels effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fixed clearance shoulder pins are used, then installation simplicity is maintained, but panel stability deteriorates due to floating and bowing
Solution Approach 1:
The shoulder pin is designed with a compressible device (spring) that allows dynamic adjustment of the shoulder portion height. This enables the pin to adapt to varying panel thicknesses while maintaining stable contact, eliminating the floating and bowing issues caused by fixed clearance designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the clearance parameter from fixed to variable by incorporating a spring mechanism. The spring allows the shoulder portion to move vertically, adjusting the clearance distance dynamically to match different panel thicknesses, thereby ensuring panel stability without compromising installation simplicity.
2Manufacturing precision
If fixed clearance is designed, then manufacturing precision is simplified, but adaptability to different panel thicknesses deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The shoulder pin incorporates a spring mechanism that transforms the static clearance into a dynamic adjustable parameter. The spring allows automatic adaptation to different panel thicknesses while maintaining precise contact, eliminating the need for multiple fixed-clearance pin designs for different panel specifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible shoulder pin with spring mechanism serves multiple functions: it accommodates various panel thicknesses, maintains precise clearance, and ensures stable panel installation. This single design replaces the need for multiple fixed-clearance pins with different specifications.
3Stability of the object's composition
If adjustable shoulder pin is implemented, then panel stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shoulder pin uses a spring mechanism to provide dynamic adjustment capability. The spring compresses and expands to accommodate different panel thicknesses, ensuring stable panel contact without requiring complex adjustable mechanisms or multiple components beyond the basic pin 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
The flexible shoulder pin module securely fastens and releases PCBs and panels without floating, reducing installation time and minimizing loose hardware, ensuring precise alignment during blind mating of golden finger connectors.
Implementation Method 1
The compressible device is configured to be disposed around the shaft portion and secure within the second portion of the through-hole by the stopper panel
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible shoulder pin module includes a barrel having an annular head portion, a cylindrical body portion, and a through-hole extending from a top surface of the body portion to a bottom end of the head portion; and a shoulder pin having a shaft portion and a shoulder portion formed thereon. The through-hole includes a first portion adjacent to the top surface of the body portion, and a second portion having a greater diameter than the first portion. The shaft portion is insertable through the first portion into the second portion. The shoulder portion is configured to adjustably extend above the top surface of the body portion to clamp a panel thereto. A compressible device is configured to be disposed around the shaft portion and secured by a stopper panel, which is coupled to the shaft portion and placed adjacent to the head portion within the second portion.