Optical Sensor Mounting-Side Tube Clips for Compact PCB Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical sensors face challenges in mounting the tube housing the image sensor on one side of the circuit board due to space constraints, which limits the placement of electronic components like microcontrollers and interferes with data transmission lines, making a compact design impossible.
Innovation Solution
The optical sensor is designed with fastening means arranged exclusively on the mounting side of the circuit board, allowing the tube to be securely attached without obstructing the opposite component side, enabling the microcontroller to be placed opposite the image sensor for short data transmission lines and a compact layout.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the tube with the image sensor is mounted on one side of the circuit board using conventional fastening means (screws or snap-in hooks), then the tube can be securely attached, but the fastening means require space on both sides of the circuit board which conflicts with the placement of electronic components and creates line interference
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening means are transitioned from a two-sided mounting configuration to a one-sided mounting configuration. The clips are positioned on the same side of the circuit board as the image sensor, eliminating the need for corresponding features on the opposite side. This dimensional reorganization allows the component side to be fully utilized for electronic components without fastening interference.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the tube pass through the circuit board with fastening means on both sides, the invention inverts the approach by having the tube mounted on one side only, with the fastening means (clips) positioned entirely on the component side. This inversion resolves the spatial conflict between mechanical fastening and electronic component placement.
2Loss of time
If the microcontroller is placed opposite the image sensor to minimize data transmission line length, then data transmission efficiency is improved, but there is no space on the component side for fastening the tube
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting configuration is changed from requiring both sides of the circuit board to requiring only one side. The clips are positioned on the component side, allowing the microcontroller to be optimally placed opposite the image sensor without compromising tube mounting capability.
3Strength
If screws or snap-in hooks are used to fasten the tube, then secure attachment is achieved, but the ends of these fastening means must protrude beyond the opposite side of the circuit board creating space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening function is extracted from the traditional screw or snap-in hook mechanisms that require bilateral mounting. Instead, integrated clips are designed to provide secure attachment while being confined to the component side, eliminating the need for space on the opposite side.
Solution Approach 2:
The tube and its fastening means (clips) are integrated as a unified assembly mounted on the component side. This merging eliminates the need for separate fastening operations on both sides of the circuit board, maximizing the available area for electronic components.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an optical sensor (1) for detecting objects, comprising a housing (2) in which electronic components and at least one sensor component are mounted. At least one electronic component generates an output signal depending on sensor signals from the or a sensor component. A printed circuit board (3) is provided as the electronic component, wherein the sensor component is arranged lying in a tube (6) on a side forming a mounting side. The tube (6) is fastened by fastening means, all of which are arranged on or at the mounting side and can be mounted on the mounting side.