PCB Screw Guiding Sleeve for Accurate Lock-Hole Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Operators face challenges in accurately locking screws into lock holes on printed circuit boards due to difficulty in precise alignment during the screwing process.

Innovation Solution

An assembly device comprising a fixture board, an assembly board, and guiding modules that include a guiding sleeve with a resisting portion and an importing portion, along with an elastic member and a limiting member, which aligns the screw with the lock hole on the circuit board for precise insertion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If operators manually lock screws directly from the front of the board, then the operation is simple and direct, but the alignment accuracy into lock holes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidalignment accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a guiding module as an intermediary device between the operator and the screw-locking process. This guiding module includes a guiding sleeve with a resisting portion that physically guides the screw into the lock hole, ensuring accurate alignment while maintaining operational simplicity. The guiding module acts as a mediator that combines the ease of manual operation with precise alignment requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If a guiding module is introduced to improve alignment accuracy, then the manufacturing precision improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guiding module is segmented into distinct functional components: a guiding sleeve with a resisting portion, an elastic member, and a limiting member. Each segment performs a specific function - the guiding sleeve provides alignment, the elastic member provides resilient force, and the limiting member controls movement. This segmentation allows the complex function of precise screw guidance to be achieved through simple, modular components that can be easily manufactured and assembled.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The guiding module is designed to be self-aligning through the elastic member that provides resilient force. When the guiding module approaches the lock hole, the elastic member automatically exerts force to maintain proper alignment without requiring external control mechanisms. This self-service mechanism reduces the need for complex control systems while maintaining high alignment accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If manual screw locking is performed without guidance, then the device complexity remains low, but the productivity and repeatability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guiding module performs preliminary alignment action before the actual screw locking occurs. The guiding sleeve with its resisting portion pre-positions the screw in the correct orientation and location, ensuring that when the screw is driven into the lock hole, it is already properly aligned. This preliminary action eliminates the need for repeated adjustments and improves both productivity and repeatability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The guiding module changes the physical parameters of the screw insertion process by providing mechanical guidance through the guiding sleeve. The resilient force from the elastic member maintains consistent contact between the guiding sleeve and the screw, ensuring repeatable alignment parameters across multiple assembly operations. This parameter control enables high productivity with simple mechanical means.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Ensures accurate and consistent screw placement into locking holes on the circuit board, improving the efficiency and accuracy of the screw installation process.

Implementation Method 1

the elastic member applies elastic force to the limiting member to drive the resisting portion (311) of the guiding sleeve (31) close to the circuit board 300

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11197378B2Device for assembling screws into printed circuit board
Publication Date: 2021.12.07 HONG FU JIN PRECISION IND TAIYUAN CO LTD
  • US11197378B2 patent drawing
  • US11197378B2 patent drawing
  • US11197378B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An assembly device for assembling a screw into a locking hole of a circuit board includes an assembled board and a guiding sleeve. The assembled board is configured to press against a circuit board. The guiding sleeve is movably arranged in the assembled board. A vertical channel is formed in an interior of the guiding sleeve. When the assembled board presses against the circuit board, one end of the guiding sleeve abuts against the circuit board, and the vertical channel is opposite to the screw hole on the circuit board. The screw is accurately assembled into the screw hole of the circuit board, thereby improving assembly efficiency.