Optical Sensor Tube Mounting for Compact PCB Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical sensors face challenges in achieving a compact structure due to the need for mounting the tube containing the sensor component on the same side as electronic components, which limits space for data transmission lines and prevents efficient component placement.
Innovation Solution
The tube is fastened to the printed circuit board using fastening means that are all arranged on the assembly side, allowing the opposite side to be used for electronic components, with options for tool-free attachment using guide pins, latching means, or threaded bushings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the tube is fastened using traditional screw mounting with fastening means on both sides of the printed circuit board, then the tube can be securely mounted, but the component side loses space for electronic components and data transmission lines
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening means are extracted from the component side and relocated exclusively to the assembly side. The tube is designed with fastening features (such as guide pins or latching hooks) that engage with the printed circuit board from the assembly side only, eliminating the need for fastening means on the component side and thereby preserving space for electronic components.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting operation is shifted from a two-sided approach to a one-sided approach by changing the dimensional perspective. Instead of having fastening means distributed on both sides of the board, all fastening functionality is concentrated on the assembly side, allowing the component side to be fully utilized for electronic components.
2Reliability
If the microcontroller is placed opposite the image sensor to minimize data transmission line length, then signal interference is reduced, but space for fastening means becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening means are extracted from the component side and relocated to the assembly side. This allows the microcontroller to be positioned opposite the image sensor on the component side without interfering with the fastening operation, as all fastening actions occur on the assembly side where the tube is mounted.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fastening means are arranged on the component side for tube mounting, then the tube can be secured, but the assembly side loses space for sensor components and electronic components
Solution Approach 1:
The conventional approach of placing fastening means on the component side is inverted. Instead, the tube is designed with fastening features that engage the printed circuit board from the assembly side. This inversion allows the component side to be fully available for electronic components while maintaining secure tube mounting.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical sensor for detecting objects, with a housing in which electronic components and at least one sensor component are mounted. At least one of the electronic components generates an output signal in dependence upon sensor signals of the sensor component or a sensor component. A printed circuit board is present as electronic component, wherein the sensor component is arranged lying in a tube on a side forming an assembly side. The tube is fastened with fastening means that are all arranged on or at the assembly side and are mountable on the assembly side.