PCB Holding Structure With Offset Latching Arms for Variable Controllers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing holding devices for controllers on electrical appliances, such as hobs, are limited in their ability to accommodate controllers of different sizes and positions, requiring multiple fastening mechanisms and tools for secure attachment.
Innovation Solution
A holding device with latching means featuring latching hooks on long latching arms that can adjust to accommodate various controller sizes, using a depression mechanism for secure engagement and a spring force design for stability, allowing for quick and tool-free attachment of controllers at variable positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed multi-stage retaining pin structure is used to fasten the controller, then the attachment is secure and stable, but the device cannot accommodate controllers of different sizes or positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the holding device adjustable rather than fixed. The holding arms can be positioned at different locations along the holding plate, and the spacing between latching means can be varied to accommodate controllers of different sizes. This dynamic adjustability allows a single holding device structure to serve multiple purposes without requiring multiple fixed configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a holding device that can fasten controllers of various sizes and at different positions using the same basic structure. The adjustable holding arms and reconfigurable latching means enable one device to perform multiple functions - holding small controllers, large controllers, and positioning them at different locations - eliminating the need for multiple specialized fastening mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed fastening mechanisms are provided for different controller sizes, then all controller types can be secured, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the holding device into modular components - multiple adjustable holding arms that can be independently positioned, and multiple latching means that can be spaced at different intervals. This segmentation allows the same set of components to be configured for different controller sizes by simply repositioning them, rather than requiring completely different fastening mechanisms for each controller type.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable nature of the holding arms and latching means enables a single set of components to dynamically adapt to different controller configurations. The same latching means can serve different purposes by being positioned at different spacings, reducing the total number of fastening mechanisms needed while maintaining versatility.
3Reliability
If traditional retaining pins or latching means are used, then the controller is securely fastened, but tools are required for attachment and adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through the resilient latching mechanism that can be manually actuated by pressing the holding arm toward the holding plate. This manual pressing action causes the latching means to engage with the controller and secure it in place without requiring any external tools. The same mechanism allows for easy release by pressing the holding arm again, enabling tool-free attachment and adjustment while maintaining secure fastening.
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
Enables secure and versatile attachment of controllers of different sizes on the same holding device, ensuring stability and ease of use with quick, tool-free mounting and adjustable positioning.
Implementation Method 1
The latching means have a latching direction along which they recede when the component carrier is latched or attached. After the latching projection has been passed, the latching means then moves back again in a direction opposite to the latching direction.
Data Source
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AI summary
A control unit with a printed circuit board is positively locked to a holding device with a holding body. The holding body has at least two locking devices for securing the printed circuit board, one of which has a locking hook with a locking projection on a long locking arm. The locking devices have a locking direction along which they retract when the printed circuit board is secured, with one locking arm extending at an angle of 90° to 60° to this locking direction. In the initial position of the locking device before the printed circuit board is attached, a recess is provided beneath the locking device to allow the locking arm and locking hook to retract into this recess. Viewed in the locking direction, there are at least two locking devices spaced apart along the locking direction and laterally offset from each other.