PCB Geometric Position Marker for Motor Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing printed circuit boards for electric motors lack a clear and defined mounting position, leading to potential incorrect installation due to varying configurations and contours, which can result in misassembly and improper alignment.

Innovation Solution

A printed circuit board with a geometric position marker that ensures correct installation by interacting with electronic components to restrict placement to a specific fixed position, using recesses or cutouts on the peripheral edge that prevent incorrect positioning, and employing surface-mounted components to prevent damage or dislodgment during assembly errors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If different contours and configurations are provided for the circuit board body, then adaptability to various mounting positions is improved, but mounting precision and alignment accuracy deteriorate due to lack of defined positioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to various mounting positionsVSAvoidmounting precision and alignment accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces asymmetric geometric position markers (such as recesses, protrusions, or notches) on the circuit board body that do not follow the overall symmetric contour. These asymmetric features create a unique orientation that must align with corresponding features on the mounting device, ensuring precise angular and positional alignment while allowing the board to be mounted in only one correct orientation, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Productivity

If the circuit board is designed with standardized geometry for mass production, then manufacturing cost and productivity are improved, but the ability to define specific mounting positions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemass production capabilityVSAvoiddefined mounting position
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the circuit board design into two independent parts: a standardized geometric contour that can be mass-produced using conventional methods, and a separate geometric position marker system (recesses, protrusions, notches) that provides precise positioning. This segmentation allows the majority of the board to be manufactured efficiently in large quantities while the positioning features are added through cost-effective processes like molding inserts or post-manufacturing modifications, thus maintaining both high productivity and precise mounting definition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If geometric position markers are added to the circuit board, then mounting precision and prevention of incorrect installation are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting precision and prevention of incorrect installationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by concentrating the positioning function in specific localized geometric features (recesses, protrusions, notches) at critical locations on the circuit board, rather than modifying the entire board structure. These localized features are simple in form but strategically positioned to provide robust mechanical guidance and prevent incorrect installation. The rest of the board maintains its simple, standardized design, thus achieving high mounting precision without significantly increasing overall device complexity or manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Ease of operation

If the circuit board allows flexible mounting positions, then ease of installation is improved, but reliability and prevention of misassembly deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installationVSAvoidprevention of misassembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary anti-action by incorporating geometric position markers (recesses, protrusions, notches) that physically prevent the circuit board from being installed in incorrect orientations or positions. These features create mechanical interference that blocks misassembly paths before installation can occur, allowing installers to quickly identify and execute the correct mounting orientation without complex procedures or tools, thus simultaneously improving ease of installation and preventing misassembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentEP4068588A1Circuit board for an electric motor
Publication Date: 2022.10.05 EBM PAPST ST GEORGEN GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4068588A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4068588A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4068588A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a printed circuit board for an electric motor comprising a printed circuit board body with power electronics with electronic components arranged thereon, wherein the printed circuit board body has a geometric position marker which is designed to arrange the printed circuit board in a certain fixed position on a holding device, wherein at least one of the electronic components is arranged on the geometric position marker and interacts with the position marker in such a way that the printed circuit board can only be arranged on the holding device in the fixed position.