PCB Housing Hook-Extension Assembly for Tool-Free Appliance Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for fixing printed circuit boards in household appliances, such as screwing or snap-fitting, are costly, labor-intensive, and prone to damage during assembly and disassembly, with potential for fire hazards due to heat and sparks.
Innovation Solution
A board housing system with hook-shaped extensions that allows for easy attachment and detachment by rotating between two positions, utilizing a first and second extension mechanism to secure the board housing to the front panel, supplemented by additional fixing means like screw-screw sockets for secure locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If screwing method is used to fix the board housing to the front panel, then the fixing strength is improved, but the assembly time and labor cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing mechanism is segmented into multiple components: board housing, front panel, extensions, and housings. This segmentation allows for simplified assembly where parts can be attached in sequence without requiring complex screwing operations, thus reducing assembly time while maintaining fixing strength through the distributed connection points.
Solution Approach 2:
Extensions and housings act as intermediary elements between the board housing and front panel. These intermediaries facilitate easy attachment and detachment while providing sufficient fixing strength, eliminating the need for time-consuming screwing operations.
2Loss of time
If snap-fitting method with clawed structures is used to fix the board housing, then the assembly time is reduced, but the fixing strength decreases and the structures can be broken due to vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The design incorporates housings that receive and protect the extensions from external impacts and vibrations before damage can occur. This beforehand protection ensures that the snap-fitting structures maintain their integrity and fixing strength over time, preventing the breakdown that occurs with conventional clawed structures.
3Shape
If the board housing is fixed in a parallel position to the front panel surface, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the assembly and disassembly becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing mechanism is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The board housing can be easily attached and detached by simple insertion and removal motions, while maintaining a stable parallel position during operation. This dynamic design allows for easy maintenance and replacement while preserving aesthetic appearance during use.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a household appliance (1) comprising a front panel (2), a printed circuit board (3), and a board housing (4) fixed to the back side of the front panel (2) and wherein the printed circuit board (3) is disposed, further described by the board housing (4) having a first position wherein the board housing (4) is inclined with respect to the surface of the front panel (2) and a second position wherein the board housing (4) is almost parallel to the front panel (2), at least one hook-shaped first extension (5) that is disposed on the inner surface of the front panel (2), the end of which faces the inner surface of the front panel (2), a first housing (6) that is situated between the first extension (5) and the inner surface of the front panel (2), at least one hook shaped second extension (7), disposed on the side of the board housing (4) opposite to the first extension (5), when the board housing (4) is rotated around the axis of the said side, that passes from the gap between the end of the first extension (5) and the inner surface of the front panel (2) and the end of which is inserted into the first housing (6), and a second housing (8) disposed between the second extension (7) and the side of the board housing (4), where into the first extension (5) is inserted when the board housing (4) is changed from the first position to the second position, providing the board housing (4) to be mounted to the front panel (2) so as to be suspended.