PCB Shock Absorbing Device for Impact Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic assemblies with printed circuit boards (PCBs) are prone to damage from impact forces during assembly, packing, delivery, and usage, as these forces are directly transmitted to the PCB, causing deformation and potential failure due to the lack of effective shock absorption.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a shock absorbing device made from insulative and compliant materials, such as thermoplastic elastomers, surrounding the PCB's peripheral edges and featuring a shouldered bushing and perforated disk, which absorbs and dampens impact forces, preventing direct transmission to the PCB.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the PCB is directly fixed to the housing using fasteners, then the PCB is securely mounted, but impact forces are directly transmitted to the PCB causing deformation and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
A shock-absorbing device made of compliant material is introduced as an intermediary element between the housing and the PCB. This mediator absorbs and dissipates impact forces through deformation, preventing direct force transmission to the PCB while maintaining secure mounting. The compliant material deforms under impact, converting mechanical energy into heat, thereby protecting the PCB from shock damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The shock-absorbing device is pre-installed between the housing and PCB before any impact occurs. This beforehand cushioning ensures that when impact forces are applied, the compliant material is already in position to absorb and dissipate the energy, preventing direct transmission to the PCB. The device is designed to deform preferentially under load, protecting the rigid PCB from shock.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a shock absorbing device is added around the PCB, then impact forces are absorbed and PCB protection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shock-absorbing device is designed to integrate multiple functions into a single component. It combines shock absorption, PCB positioning, and electrical insulation properties in one element. The device merges the functions of a gasket, spacer, and insulator, reducing the total number of separate components needed while providing comprehensive protection and mounting capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The shock-absorbing device is designed as a multi-functional element that simultaneously provides shock absorption, electrical insulation, PCB positioning, and stress distribution. This universal component replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate elements, simplifying the overall assembly while providing comprehensive protection against impact forces.
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
The shock absorbing device effectively protects the PCB from impact damage, allowing the electronic assembly to withstand multiple drops without sustaining damage to components or the PCB, as demonstrated by successful testing of a portable battery charger.
Implementation Method 1
a shock absorbing device that is formed of an insulative and compliant material
Implementation Method 2
The shock absorbing device surrounds the plurality of peripheral minor edges of the PCB
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
An electronic assembly (10) including a printed circuit board (PCB) (16), a housing (12), and a shock absorbing device (40) that is intermediate the printed circuit board (16) and the housing (12). The shock absorbing device (40) is formed of an insulative and compliant material, such as a thermoplastic elastomer material. The side walls of the shock absorbing device (40) defines a groove (46) surrounds and at least partially encloses the edges (26) of the printed circuit board (16). The shock absorbing device (40) defines an aperture (54) through which a fastener (36) is configured to pass to secure the shock absorbing device (40) to the housing (12) and thus securing the printed circuit board (16) within the housing (12). The shock absorbing device (40) is intermediate the fastener (36) and the printed circuit board (16) so that there is no direct contact between the fastener (36) and the printed circuit board (16) which could transmit impact shock directly from the housing (12) to the printed circuit board (16).