PCB Fixing Structure for Electronic Cigarettes
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for securing a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) in electronic cigarettes increase production costs and reduce efficiency due to the need for internal supports and screw fixation, which enlarges the device size and affects aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A PCB fixing structure that uses a housing with protrusion portions and a top cap with connecting pieces to secure the PCB without internal supports, reducing the size and improving assembly efficiency, and a fixing structure for the PCBA control board using a conducting nail for electric connection and clamping, minimizing the board's area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screws and internal supports are used to secure the PCB, then the PCB is firmly fixed, but the production cost increases and assembly efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the PCB support function with the housing structure itself by designing protrusion portions that extend from the housing sidewall to hold the PCB. This eliminates the need for separate internal support components and screw fixation, thereby improving assembly efficiency while maintaining reliable PCB fixation.
2Reliability
If screws and internal supports are used to secure the PCB, then the PCB is firmly fixed, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the PCB support function into the housing structure through protrusion portions, eliminating the need for separate support components and screw fixation systems. This reduction in component count directly lowers production costs while maintaining firm PCB fixation.
3Reliability
If threaded holes and nut spaces are defined in the PCBA control board, then the PCBA can be fixed, but the PCBA area increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of modifying the PCBA control board by adding threaded holes and nut spaces, the patent inverts the approach by having the housing provide the fixation structure through its protrusion portions. This eliminates the need for additional features on the PCBA itself, thereby minimizing the required PCBA area.
4Reliability
If the PCBA control board area is increased, then the PCBA can be fixed with screws, but the electronic cigarette size becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reverses the conventional approach by having the housing provide fixation features rather than enlarging the PCBA control board. This allows secure PCBA fixation without increasing the overall electronic cigarette dimensions.
5Reliability
If the PCBA control board area is increased, then screw fixation can be implemented, but the aesthetic appearance is impacted
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of enlarging the PCBA control board to accommodate screw fixation features, the patent uses the housing's protrusion portions to provide fixation. This maintains a compact and aesthetically pleasing design while ensuring reliable PCBA fixation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a PCB fixing structure. The PCB fixing structure includes a housing, a PCB accommodated in the housing, and a top cap covering the housing. The housing has a side wall provided with at least two protrusion portions. The protrusion portion defines a connecting hole. The PCB defines at least two first through holes. The top cap defines at least two second through holes. The PCB fixing structure further includes at least two connecting pieces. Each of the connecting pieces is configured to pass through one of the second through holes, one of the first through holes and one of the connecting holes in sequence so as to fix the top cap and the PCB to the housing. The present disclosure further provides an electronic cigarette including the PCB fixing structure and a fixing structure for a PCBA control board of an electronic cigarette.