PCB Enclosure Assembly Latch and Seal Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Enclosures for outdoor electrical components face challenges such as moisture seepage, PCB dislodging, latch damage, and accommodating different PCB thicknesses, which affect reliability and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

The enclosure assembly features lug and aperture elements for moisture prevention, retention latches to secure PCBs, and specialized mounting slots for various thicknesses, along with latch designs to prevent over-deflection and secure mounting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of repair

If conventional enclosures are used with removable covers for PCB access, then ease of maintenance is improved, but PCB dislodging and loss risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePCB access for maintenanceVSAvoidPCB retention security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The enclosure is divided into a removable cover portion and a fixed base portion. The cover can be removed for PCB access while the base with mounting structures remains fixed, preventing PCB dislodging during maintenance operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

PCB retention lugs and mounting features are pre-installed on the enclosure base before PCB installation. This preliminary configuration ensures that PCBs are securely retained from the moment of installation, preventing dislodging during subsequent maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Object-affected harmful factors

If enclosure bodies are made impermeable to moisture, then protection against moisture damage is improved, but seal failure between body and cover can still permit moisture seepage

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveMoisture protectionVSAvoidSeal integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A flexible gasket or seal element is installed at the interface between the enclosure cover and base. This flexible membrane maintains the seal integrity even when the cover is removed or reinstalled, preventing moisture seepage while allowing for assembly disassembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Adaptability or versatility

If PCB mounting features are made adaptable for different thicknesses, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePCB thickness accommodationVSAvoidEnclosure design complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The enclosure base incorporates universal mounting features such as adjustable retention lugs or compliant mounting structures that can accommodate PCBs of various thicknesses without requiring different enclosure designs, thereby maintaining simplicity while achieving versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If latches are designed with security features to prevent tampering, then security is improved, but latch over-deflection damage can occur during tool actuation

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveTamper resistanceVSAvoidLatch durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The latch mechanism incorporates a stop feature or cushioning element that prevents the latch from being over-deflected during tool actuation. This preliminary protective measure ensures the latch maintains its security features while protecting against damage from excessive force applied during maintenance operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS20180132374A1Printed Circuit Board Enclosure Assembly

Publication Date: 2018.05.10 PHOENIX CONTACT DEVELOPMENT & MANUFACTURING INC

AI summary

An enclosure assembly for housing printed circuit boards and related electrical components that provides secured component mounting in outdoor environments.