PCB Carrier Latching Mechanism for Glue-Free Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for securing printed circuit boards (PCBs) using Surface Mount Technology (SMT) are inefficient and costly, requiring manual attachment with glue.
Innovation Solution
A circuit board fixing system that includes a carrier with a support element and latching assemblies featuring sliding rails, hook members, elastic elements, and a beveled operating member, allowing for secure attachment of PCBs without glue, enabling efficient heat dissipation and accommodating various PCB geometries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual glue attachment is used to secure PCBs to carriers, then the PCB can be securely attached, but the production efficiency is low and the cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of applying glue with an automated mechanical latching system. The latching assembly uses spring-loaded hooks that automatically engage with the PCB edges through a simple insertion motion, eliminating the need for manual glue application and significantly improving production efficiency while reducing labor costs
Solution Approach 2:
The latching assembly is designed to be self-securing through elastic elements that automatically engage the hooks with the PCB. The system requires no external adhesive or complex fastening process - the elastic force naturally secures the PCB in place, enabling rapid attachment and detachment operations
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-geometry carrier is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate irregular PCB geometries
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier incorporates movable and adjustable components including the latching assembly that can adapt its position and the support surface that can be configured to match different PCB geometries. This dynamic design allows the same carrier to securely hold various PCB shapes and sizes without requiring multiple specialized fixtures
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier is designed as a universal fixture that can accommodate multiple PCB geometries through its adjustable latching mechanism and configurable support surface. Rather than requiring different carriers for different PCB types, this single multi-functional carrier handles various shapes and sizes, reducing the overall complexity of the system
3Temperature
If glue is used to attach PCBs, then the attachment is secure, but heat dissipation during surface mounting is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the PCB from the glue-based attachment system and replaces it with a mechanical latching system. This removal of the adhesive layer eliminates the thermal barrier that glue creates, allowing for efficient heat dissipation during surface mounting while the mechanical hooks maintain secure attachment through direct physical engagement with the PCB edges
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 enhances the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of PCB attachment by eliminating the need for manual glue application, ensuring secure and adaptable mounting while maintaining efficient heat dissipation and accommodating irregular PCB geometries.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of elastic elements 230, each manipulated against an end of the sliding slot 212 and having an end pressing the corresponding hook member 220 toward the other hook member 220
Implementation Method 2
The first surface 101 defines a number of heat pass-through holes 103 to allow radiated heat to pass through and disperse during the surface mounting process
Data Source
AI summary
A printed circuit board (PCB) secured to a carrier, the carrier comprising at least one hook for securing the PCB, the PCB includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. At least one recessed portion in the rim of the first surface receives at least one hook so there are no protrusions above the upper surface of the PCB. A carrier for securing the PCB is also provided.