Holding Frame With Elastic Press-In Projections For PCB Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for attaching circuit boards to housings, such as screwing or snap connections, require high precision and can be complex, especially when considering tolerance compensation and mechanical security.

Innovation Solution

A holder frame with a carrier structure and elastic/deformable press-on elements connected by spring elements, allowing for simplified assembly and enhanced mechanical security through tolerance compensation and shock/vibration damping.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If screwing or snap connections are used to attach circuit boards to housings, then mechanical security is achieved, but assembly complexity and precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical securityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holding frame is divided into multiple press-in projections distributed at different locations, each independently connected to the support structure by spring elements. This segmentation allows each projection to independently compensate for local tolerance variations while collectively providing robust mechanical attachment to the housing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The press-in projections are designed with elastic and/or plastic deformability, allowing them to change their dimensional parameters under pressing force. This parameter change enables the projections to adapt to tolerance variations in the housing recesses during assembly, simplifying the attachment process while maintaining secure mechanical connection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If press-in projections with oversize are used, then tolerance compensation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements change

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetolerance compensationVSAvoidproduction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The press-in projections are designed with elastic and/or plastic deformability, allowing them to change their dimensional parameters under pressing force. This parameter change enables the projections to adapt to tolerance variations in the housing recesses during assembly, simplifying the attachment process while maintaining secure mechanical connection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The press-in projections are designed as simple, easily manufacturable elements that can be produced by common molding techniques. Their simplicity allows for easy manufacturing without requiring complex tooling or multiple mold halves, making them cost-effective despite the oversize interference fit design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Strength

If locking hooks with undercuts are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but demolding complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoiddemolding complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The holding frame is divided into multiple press-in projections distributed at different locations, each independently connected to the support structure by spring elements. This segmentation allows each projection to independently compensate for local tolerance variations while collectively providing robust mechanical attachment to the housing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The press-in projections are designed as simple, easily manufacturable elements that can be produced by common molding techniques. Their simplicity allows for easy manufacturing without requiring complex tooling or multiple mold halves, making them cost-effective despite the oversize interference fit design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Manufacturing precision

If rigid fastening elements are used, then precise alignment is achieved, but shock and vibration resistance worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidshock and vibration resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The spring elements provide dynamic connectivity between the press-in projections and the support structure, allowing the system to adapt to vibrations and shocks during operation. This dynamic design maintains precise alignment while enhancing reliability under dynamic loading conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The spring elements act as pre-configured cushioning elements that absorb shock and vibration before these forces can damage the attachment. This beforehand cushioning protects the rigid press-in projections and the housing from harmful dynamic loads

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 solution simplifies the assembly process by providing additional tolerance compensation and mechanical security, ensuring a stable and shock-resistant attachment of the circuit board to the housing.

Implementation Method 1

at least one spring element that resiliently connects the at least one press-in projection to the support structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

This can provide a shock- or vibration-damping mounting of the circuit board to the housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShock damping: Damping

Implementation Method 3

at least one press-in projection that is elastically and/or plastically deformable such that it can be pressed into a recess in the housing with an oversize

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 4

at least one press-in projection that is elastically and/or plastically deformable

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlastic deformation: Plasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3560307B1Holding frame for attaching a printed circuit board to a housing
Publication Date: 2025.04.16 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3560307B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3560307B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a holding frame (2) for attaching a printed circuit board (1) to a housing (6), the holding frame comprising the following: a support structure (3) for the printed circuit board (1); at least one press-in protrusion (4a, 4b) which is elastically and/or plastically deformable such that it can be pressed by means of an overdimension of material into a cut-out (7a, 7b) in the housing (6) in order to fasten the holding frame (2) to the housing (6); and at least one spring element (5a, 5b) which resiliently connects the at least one press-in protrusion (4a, 4b) to the support structure (3).