Monolithic PCB Housing Clamp for Faster Thermal Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for attaching a printed circuit board (PCB) to a housing part are costly, require additional components, and prolong assembly time, while maintaining thermal contact between the PCB and the housing.
Innovation Solution
A monolithic housing part with a core element comprising a first plate-like element and a clamping element, featuring a main part, lever part, hinge part, and contact part, allows for clamping the PCB by transitioning the lever part from an arch-like shape to a straightened state, providing thermal contact and secure attachment without additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fixation elements (screws, springs, clamps, brackets) are used to attach PCB to housing part, then secure attachment and thermal contact are achieved, but device complexity, cost, and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (attachment, thermal contact, structural support) into a single integrated housing part. The housing part includes a receiving section for the PCB and a core element with clamping mechanism that simultaneously provides mechanical attachment and thermal contact, eliminating the need for separate fixation elements and thermal management components.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing part is designed as a multi-functional component that performs both structural support and thermal management functions. The core element with lever part and contact part serves as both a clamping mechanism for secure attachment and a thermal contact surface for heat dissipation, making the housing part a universal solution for both mechanical and thermal requirements.
2Reliability
If traditional fixation elements are used to attach PCB to housing part, then secure attachment is achieved, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping mechanism incorporates a lever part that can transition between bent (unclamped) and straight (clamped) states, enabling dynamic attachment and detachment of the PCB. This dynamic mechanism allows for quick assembly by simply pressing the lever part to change its state, eliminating the need for time-consuming fastening operations with traditional fixation elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing part's core element is designed to automatically clamp the PCB when the lever part is in the straight state, maintaining attachment security without requiring additional fastening steps. The integrated design allows the housing part itself to perform the clamping function, eliminating the need for separate fixation elements and reducing assembly complexity.
3Reliability
If additional components are used for fixation, then attachment function is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the clamping mechanism directly into the housing part structure. The core element with lever part, hinge part, and contact part is formed as an integral part of the housing, eliminating the need for separate fixation elements and reducing the total component count, which directly lowers manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing part is designed to perform both structural support and clamping functions through its integrated core element. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for additional fixation components, reducing bill of materials costs and simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining secure attachment capability.
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 system offers a simple, quick, and cost-effective clamping mechanism that maintains good thermal contact between the PCB and the housing, reducing assembly time and eliminating the need for extra components.
Implementation Method 1
the lever part in a first (unclamping) state comprises an arch-like shape... in a second (clamping) state the arch-like shape of the lever part is (at least partially) stretched
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a system (1000) comprising a housing part (400) for clamping an object (20), wherein the housing part (400) comprises a receiving section (430) configured for receiving the object (20), and wherein the housing part (400) comprises a core element (10) configured for clamping the object (20) to the receiving section (430), wherein the core element (10) comprises a monolithic combination of (i) a first plate-like element (200) and (ii) a clamping element (100), wherein the clamping element (100) comprises (a) a main part (150), (b) a lever part (110), (c) a hinge part (120), and (d) a contact part (130), wherein: —the main part (150) is connected to the first plate-like element (200) via the lever part (110) and the hinge part (120); —the lever part (110) in a first state comprises an arch-like shape; —the lever part (110) is connected to the main part (150) at a position between the hinge part (120) and the contact part (130); —the first plate-like element (200) and the clamping element (100) are configured such that relative to the first state, in a second state the main part (150) and the contact part (130) are configured partly pivoted around the hinge part (120).