Lock Mechanism for PCB Backplane Connection Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lock mechanisms for printed circuit boards within a casing fail to stably connect them to a backplane, leading to unstable connections and potential disconnection due to vibrations or accidental impacts, which can cause corrosion from imperfect fittings.
Innovation Solution
A lock mechanism with an engaging member featuring engaging pieces that press printed circuit boards against the backplane, ensuring secure fitting and preventing disconnection by engaging with formed holes or notches on the boards, using a configuration that allows for easy operation and compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a lock mechanism is provided to prevent printed circuit boards from coming off the casing, then the printed circuit boards are secured against movement, but the connectors cannot be firmly fitted to the backplane connectors, leading to unstable connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking function and the connector fitting function into a single integrated engaging member. The engaging member simultaneously locks the printed circuit board to the casing and presses the connector firmly onto the backplane connector, eliminating the need for separate locking and connection mechanisms. This integration ensures that both stability and connection reliability are achieved together.
Solution Approach 2:
The engaging member serves multiple functions: it acts as a locking mechanism to prevent the printed circuit board from moving, and simultaneously acts as a pressing mechanism to firmly fit the connector to the backplane connector. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making one component responsible for both stability and connection reliability.
2Reliability
If the engaging pieces press the printed circuit boards firmly to fit connectors, then connection stability is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pressing function and locking function into a single engaging member with multiple engaging pieces. This integration reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby simplifying the overall structure while maintaining the ability to firmly press connectors and provide stable locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The engaging member is divided into multiple engaging pieces, each capable of independently engaging with the printed circuit board and applying pressing force. This segmentation allows the complex function of simultaneous locking and connector pressing to be distributed across multiple simple, identical elements, reducing overall structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A lock mechanism is provided for locking inside a casing a plurality of printed circuit boards which are connected through connectors to a backplane inside the casing. The lock mechanism has an engaging member provided with a plurality of engaging pieces respectively engageable with engaged portions formed respectively in the plurality of printed circuit boards. When the engaging pieces are respectively engaged with the engaged portions, the printed circuit boards are pressed in a direction to fit the connectors of the printed circuit boards with the connectors of the backplane.