Movable Locking Ear for Circuit Board Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking mechanisms for electronic components on circuit boards are inflexible and require specific designs for different types of circuit boards, leading to high time and manufacturing costs due to the need for custom configurations to fit various board types.
Innovation Solution
A movable locking ear system comprising a first fastening member, a second fastening member, and a resisting member with a bending end that adjusts its position based on the distance between the members, allowing for clamping, sliding, or separation, enabling compatibility with different circuit board types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed locking ears with fixed number and position are used, then the electronic component can be locked on a specific circuit board type, but the locking mechanism cannot be applied to circuit boards with different types, leading to high time cost and manufacturing cost for custom designs
Solution Approach 1:
The locking ear is designed with movable parts that can change position and configuration. Specifically, the locking ear includes a body portion and an extending portion that can rotate relative to each other, allowing the extending portion to be positioned at different angles and locations to match screw hole arrangements on various circuit board types.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking ear is divided into separate functional segments: a body portion that attaches to the electronic component, and an extending portion with a locking tip that engages with screw holes. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of each part's position and orientation to adapt to different board configurations.
2Reliability
If custom locking ear configurations are designed for each circuit board type, then the locking mechanism fits specific board screw hole arrangements, but the design and manufacturing time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The locking ear incorporates movable joints that enable the extending portion to be dynamically repositioned during assembly or adjustment, allowing a single locking ear design to reliably lock onto circuit boards with various screw hole patterns without requiring custom designs for each board type.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking ear is designed as a universal component that can function with multiple circuit board types. The body portion provides a standardized mounting interface, while the adjustable extending portion can be configured to engage with different screw hole arrangements, making one locking ear design suitable for multiple applications.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the locking ear structure is made adjustable to fit different circuit board types, then the adaptability improves, but the structural complexity of the locking ear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking ear uses simple rotational joints between the body portion and extending portion, allowing the structure to adapt to different configurations through straightforward mechanical movement rather than complex mechanisms. This maintains structural simplicity while achieving the needed flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
By dividing the locking ear into modular segments (body portion and extending portion) connected by simple joints, the design achieves adjustability without overall structural complexity. Each segment remains relatively simple in design, and their combination provides the necessary adaptability through straightforward relative movement.
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 movable locking ear system provides high flexibility and applicability, allowing electronic components to be securely fastened on circuit boards of various shapes and configurations, reducing manufacturing costs and time by accommodating different screw hole arrangements.
Implementation Method 1
the resisting member has a bending end. When a distance between the first fastening member and the second fastening member is less than a preset distance, the bending end protrudes from a preset position. When the distance between the first fastening member and the second fastening member isn't less than the preset distance, the bending end doesn't protrude from the present position.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention discloses a movable locking ear and an electrical device. The electrical device comprises a frame and a movable locking ear. The frame comprises a first recess, a second recess opposite to the first recess, and a side wall between the first recess and the second recess. The movable locking ear comprises a first fastening member for fastening the first recess, a second fastening member opposite to the second fastening member for fastening the second recess, and a resisting member between the first fastening member and the second fastening member. A position of a bending end of the resisting member is near or far from the side wall depending on a distance between the first fastening member and the second fastening member.