PCB Fixing Apparatus Using Wedge Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for fixing printed circuit boards within housings are complex and costly, requiring multiple metal components and resulting in high manufacturing costs and weight, while also failing to ensure efficient heat supply.
Innovation Solution
A simple fixing apparatus with a frame part and wedge body that uses force fit or shape matching to attach to the housing wall, allowing for compressive force application to the PCB, enabling efficient heat removal and scalable design with minimal components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If previous fixing solutions are used, then printed circuit boards can be fixed to the housing wall, but the construction becomes complex with a large number of individual components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fixing functions into a single integrated fixing apparatus that can secure multiple printed circuit boards simultaneously. The fixing apparatus includes a fixing body with multiple fixing elements arranged in a matrix pattern, allowing one component to perform the work of several separate fixings, thereby reducing construction complexity while maintaining reliable fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing apparatus is designed as a universal component that can accommodate and fix multiple different printed circuit boards with various dimensions and configurations. The matrix arrangement of fixing elements and the scalable grid structure allow the same fixing apparatus to serve multiple functions and secure different types of PCBs, reducing the need for separate fixing solutions for each board.
2Strength
If metal components are used for fixing apparatus, then sufficient strength and durability are achieved, but weight and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing apparatus utilizes composite material construction, combining rigid structural elements for strength with lighter materials where appropriate. The fixing body and elements are designed to achieve sufficient mechanical strength through optimized geometry and material selection rather than relying solely on heavy metal components, thereby reducing overall weight while maintaining fixing strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the physical and mechanical parameters of the fixing apparatus, including the dimensions, distribution, and geometry of the fixing elements. By carefully adjusting these parameters, the apparatus achieves the necessary fixing strength with minimized material usage and weight, rather than using excessive metal components.
3Reliability
If previous fixing solutions are used, then printed circuit boards can be secured, but manufacturing costs become comparatively high
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing apparatus consolidates multiple fixing functions into a single manufacturable component. The matrix arrangement of fixing elements allows the entire assembly to be produced as one integrated piece or pre-assembled unit, significantly reducing the number of manufacturing steps, inventory items, and assembly operations compared to using multiple separate fixings, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining reliable fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing elements are arranged in a modular matrix pattern that allows for standardized manufacturing processes. This segmentation into regular, repeating units enables efficient production through repetitive manufacturing techniques, reducing tooling costs and simplifying quality control, thereby lowering overall manufacturing costs while ensuring consistent reliable fixation.
4Reliability
If separate fixing apparatus is used for every single PCB, then each board is properly fixed, but the number of components and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing apparatus is designed as a multi-functional device that can simultaneously secure multiple printed circuit boards of different sizes and configurations. The matrix arrangement of fixing elements allows each element to independently engage with individual PCBs while the entire apparatus functions as a unified fixing system, providing reliable fixation for multiple boards without requiring separate fixing apparatus for each one.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple individual fixing functions into a single integrated apparatus. The fixing body contains multiple fixing elements that work together as one system, allowing one component to perform the function of several separate fixings, thereby reducing the total number of components needed while ensuring each printed circuit board is properly and individually fixed.
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
The apparatus provides a cost-effective, scalable, and efficient method to fix printed circuit boards, ensuring proper alignment, stabilization, and heat removal with a reduced number of components and adaptable size without increasing production costs.
Implementation Method 1
The wedge body is displaceably supported within the frame part, with a compressive force being able to be applied to the frame structure by its transposition within the frame part. This force effects an at least regional deformation of the outer frame wall. The slanted plane of the wedge body in particular contacts an inner wall of the frame part.
Implementation Method 2
The frame part is ideally characterized by a sufficient elasticity to be able to adopt the original shape on a corresponding return transposition of the wedge body.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a fixing apparatus for fixing one or more printed circuit boards to a housing wall having a frame part that comprises at least one locking means for fixing the frame part to the housing wall and at least one wedge body displaceably supported within the frame part, wherein the wedge body is displaceable into a position relative to the frame part in which a compressive force applied to the frame part by the wedge body deforms the outer frame wall at least regionally outwardly.