PCB Fastening Element Integrating Electrical Feed-Through
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiconductor lighting devices, particularly those with printed circuit boards equipped with semiconductor light sources, face challenges in assembly complexity, increased overall height due to external plug connections, and inefficient space utilization, as well as aesthetically unappealing screw arrangements.
Innovation Solution
The integration of fastening elements on the rear side of the printed circuit board as electrical feed-through elements, which also serve as mechanical fasteners, allowing for a compact design by eliminating the need for external screws and reducing the height of the assembly, while enabling easy attachment and improved heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external plug connection elements and cable routing are provided next to the printed circuit board, then electrical connection is achieved, but volume occupancy increases and overall height increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrical feed-through function and the mechanical fastening function into a single integrated element. The fastening element is designed with electrically conductive portions that serve dual purposes: providing mechanical attachment between the printed circuit board and support, and establishing electrical connections for power and signal transmission. This eliminates the need for separate external plug connection elements and cable routing, thereby reducing volume occupancy while maintaining reliable electrical connection.
2Reliability
If external plug connection elements are provided next to the printed circuit board, then electrical connection is achieved, but overall height increases considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the electrical feed-through and mechanical fastening into a single element that extends through the printed circuit board. The fastening element with electrically conductive portions eliminates the need for separate external plug connection elements, thereby significantly reducing the overall height of the assembly while maintaining reliable electrical connection between the printed circuit board and support.
3Strength
If screw holes are provided on the printed circuit board, then mechanical fastening is achieved, but surface occupancy is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical feed-through function and mechanical fastening function into a single integrated fastening element. This eliminates the need for separate screw holes on the printed circuit board, as the fastening element itself provides both the mechanical attachment and electrical connection. Consequently, surface occupancy is improved while maintaining strong mechanical fastening.
4Strength
If screws are used for fastening, then mechanical attachment is achieved, but appearance becomes unappealing when viewed from above
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the electrical feed-through and mechanical fastening into a single element, eliminating the need for visible screws on the front side of the printed circuit board. The fastening element with electrically conductive portions provides mechanical attachment while maintaining a clean, uncluttered appearance when viewed from above, as no external fastening elements are visible.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The printed circuit board (1) has a front face (2) which can be fitted with at least one semiconductor light source (4) and at least one mounting element (6) which is accessible via a rear face (3), wherein the at least one mounting element (6) is in the form of an electrical conduction element for at least one of the semiconductor light sources (4). The support has at least one support area (12) on which the printed circuit board (1) can be placed, wherein at least one mating mounting element (13) for respectively mounting a mounting element (6) of the printed circuit board (1) is arranged on the support area (12), and wherein at least one mating mounting element (13) is an electrically conductive mating mounting element (13) which is connected to at least one electrical power supply. In the system (10) comprising the printed circuit board (1) and the support (11), the printed circuit board (1) is mounted on the support (11) by the at least one mounting element (6) of the printed circuit board (1) engaging in an interlocking and/or force-fitting manner in a respectively matching mating mounting element (13) of the support (11). The method is used to mount the printed circuit board (1) on the support (11).