Motor PCB Retainer With Integrated Sealing and Spring Hold-Down
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for mechanically fixing circuit boards in electric motors, such as using GapPads or screwing, are time-consuming and costly, and do not allow for fully automated production, as they require gluing or additional assembly steps that hinder efficient manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a two-component injection molded insulating part with a hard component and a soft component, including a spring element and a hold-down device, which allows for the circuit board to be held down without gluing, enabling fully automated production and cost-effective assembly by providing a seal and exerting a holding force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gap pads are pressed into place by heat sink, then circuit board is held down, but manufacturing time increases and automation is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sealing function and the fixation function into a single integrated insulating part. The soft component provides sealing between housing parts, while the hard component with pressure element provides circuit board fixation. This eliminates the need for separate gap pads and fixation mechanisms, enabling automated production while maintaining reliable fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating part serves multiple functions simultaneously: electrical insulation, sealing between housing parts, and mechanical fixation of the circuit board through the pressure element. This multi-functional design replaces multiple separate components (sealing elements, fixation elements, gap pads) with a single integrated component that can be automatically assembled.
2Reliability
If circuit board is screwed into flange or stator, then fixation is achieved, but assembly complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the fixation function into the insulating part itself through the pressure element, eliminating the need for separate screws or fixation hardware. The pressure element is formed as part of the hard component, combining insulation and fixation into a single element that simplifies assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure element automatically exerts holding force on the circuit board through the insulating part's structure. The spring element provides continuous contact force to maintain the pressure element's position, creating a self-regulating fixation system that does not require additional adjustment or complex assembly steps.
3Ease of manufacture
If gap filler is pre-applied, then manufacturing is simplified, but circuit board cannot be held down effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sealing function (traditionally provided by gap filler) and fixation function (traditionally provided by gap pads or screws) into a single insulating part. The soft component provides sealing, while the hard component with pressure element provides fixation, eliminating the need for separate gap filler application while maintaining effective circuit board holding.
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 solution eliminates the need for additional components and assembly steps, allowing for rapid and cost-effective production while ensuring the circuit board is securely fixed and sealed, with adaptable spring properties for optimal fixation and sealing.
Implementation Method 1
the spring element is located in the area of the retainer on the side of the insulation part opposite a stop area, in the direction of the holding force
Implementation Method 2
the soft component is designed to provide a seal between the housing parts
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Device for fixing a printed circuit board 1 within a housing of an electric motor, comprising a first housing part 2, a second housing part 3, and an insulating part 5, wherein the insulating part 5 is arranged between the first housing part 2 and the second housing part 3, such that the housing parts 2, 3 are spaced apart from each other at least section by means of the insulating part 5, wherein the insulating part 5 comprises a hard component 6 and a soft component 7, wherein the insulating part 5 comprises at least one spring element 10 for exerting a contact force on the first housing part 2, wherein the hard component 6 comprises at least one retainer 8, wherein the retainer 8 has at least one pressure element 9 for exerting a holding force on the printed circuit board 1, wherein the soft component 7 is designed to provide a seal between the housing parts, wherein the spring element 10, in the area of the retainer 8,on the side of the insulation part 5 opposite a stop area 11, in the direction of the holding force.