PCB Command Device Mounting Holding Means

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Solution Overview

Problem

The complex assembly process of command devices consisting of actuators and contactors mounted on printed circuit boards is a significant challenge, requiring intricate soldering and assembly methods.

Innovation Solution

A holding means with detachable attachment and locking mechanisms allows for easy and tool-free mounting of command devices onto printed circuit boards, utilizing latching pins, threaded pins, and locking elements to secure the actuator and contactor in place, enabling quick assembly and precise alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional soldering and assembly methods are used to mount command devices on printed circuit boards, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The command device is divided into separate modular components (actuator, contactor, holding means) that can be independently assembled and replaced. The holding means serves as a separate mounting component that interfaces with both the PCB and the command device components, eliminating the need for complex soldering while maintaining reliable electrical connections through the contactor's electrical contacts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The holding means acts as an intermediary component between the printed circuit board and the command device components. It provides both mechanical support and electrical connection pathways, simplifying the overall assembly process by consolidating mounting and electrical connection functions into a single intermediate component that requires no soldering.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If traditional assembly methods with multiple components are used, then functional requirements are met, but assembly time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The holding means is pre-configured with both mechanical mounting features (attachment means for PCB integration) and electrical connection features (electrical contacts for connecting to the contactor) before assembly. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid assembly of the command device components without requiring complex multi-step procedures during the actual assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The holding means combines multiple functions into a single component: mechanical mounting to the PCB, electrical connection provision, and structural support for the actuator and contactor. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components and assembly steps required, thereby reducing assembly time and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3343580B1Retaining means for mounting a command device on a printed circuit board
Publication Date: 2020.06.17 GEORG SCHLEGEL GMBH & CO
  • EP3343580B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3343580B1 patent drawingFigure 3~6

AI summary

Holding means 1 for mounting a control device 20 to a printed circuit board 3, wherein the control device 20 comprises an actuator 27 and a contact transmitter 19. The holding means 1 have a holding element 4 which has attachment means 8-11 by means of which the holding element 4 can be plugged into the printed circuit board 3 and wherein the holding element 4 comprises mounting means which are designed to detachably hold the control device 20.