Vehicle PCB Fixing via Deformable Coupling Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic control apparatuses with one-piece slot type housings face issues with PCB fixation, leading to vibration and potential damage due to the lack of a secure mounting mechanism, which compromises sealing and increases assembly complexity.
Innovation Solution
The use of a coupling member with a nut-like structure and a groove that physically deforms to secure the PCB within the housing, combined with a sealing member to enhance sealing performance, eliminates the need for additional fastening parts like screws, simplifying assembly and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a one-piece slot type housing is used without additional fastening parts, then assembly complexity is reduced and costs are lowered, but the PCB cannot be securely fixed and may vibrate or move due to vehicle vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member integrates both the fastening function (fixing the PCB) and the sealing function (preventing moisture ingress) into a single component. This merging eliminates the need for separate screws or clips while maintaining secure PCB fixation and environmental protection, thereby reducing assembly complexity without compromising reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a fastening element to secure the PCB, a sealing element to prevent moisture and foreign object intrusion, and a structural connector to join the housing components. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by eliminating additional fastening parts while ensuring reliable PCB fixation.
2Ease of manufacture
If a one-piece slot type housing is used without additional fastening parts, then manufacturing costs are reduced, but the PCB may vibrate and move as much as a gap of the housing leading to potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member combines fastening and sealing functions in one component, eliminating the need for separate screws or clips. This integration reduces manufacturing costs by reducing part count and assembly steps while maintaining strong PCB mounting through the integrated fastening structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling member is designed to be self-fastening through physical deformation of the housing surface, eliminating the need for additional fastening parts. This self-service mechanism reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while providing sufficient mounting strength to prevent PCB vibration and damage.
3Productivity
If the PCB is inserted into the housing in a slide form without fixation, then assembly time is reduced, but the PCB is not fixed within the housing and may vibrate severely due to vehicle vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member is pre-installed on the PCB before insertion into the housing. This preliminary action allows the PCB to be inserted in a slide form for quick assembly, while the pre-positioned coupling member automatically engages with the housing to secure the PCB, preventing vibration and maintaining position stability without adding assembly time.
4Reliability
If additional fastening parts like screws are used to secure the PCB, then PCB fixation reliability is improved, but assembly complexity increases and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member merges the fastening function with the sealing function into a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for separate screws or clips, reducing the number of fastening parts while maintaining reliable PCB fixation through the integrated fastening structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling member serves as both a fastening element and a sealing element simultaneously. This multi-functionality allows reliable PCB fixation to be achieved without additional fastening parts, thereby reducing assembly complexity and part count while maintaining fixation reliability.
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 effectively fixes the PCB within the housing, enhances sealing, and reduces assembly time and costs by eliminating the need for additional fastening components, while preventing damage from vibrations.
Implementation Method 1
the PCB adheres to a bottom side of the housing by the coupling member which is pressed by physically deforming each corresponding surface of the housing corresponding to at least one coupling member
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an electronic control apparatus for a vehicle, comprising: a printed circuit board (PCB) configured to electrically control each part of the vehicle and have both sides provided with at least one fixed hole; a connector cover includes a connector part electrically connected and coupled with the PCB and a coupling part; a housing configured of a one-piece slot type and receiving the PCB inserted in a slide form; and at least one coupling member each fastened with at least one fixed hole of the PCB, wherein the PCB is inserted into the housing and the PCB adheres to a bottom side of the housing by the coupling member which is pressed by physically deforming each corresponding surface of the housing corresponding to at least one coupling member.