PCB Support System with Cam Lever Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for supporting printed circuit boards with components mounted on one side during installation of components on the opposite side are either overly complex, costly, or fail to provide consistent, precise support, especially during solder paste application and component placement, due to issues with maintaining a level position and accommodating varying board configurations.
Innovation Solution
A substrate support system comprising a base plate with elastically compressible members, multiple plates with aligned apertures for deformable pins, and a mechanism to move the middle plate between aligned and clamping positions using a cam lever, knob, or draw latch, allowing for robust and cost-effective support without additional tooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable length upstanding fingers are used to support irregularly shaped articles, then adaptability to different board configurations is improved, but device complexity increases and positive support across the supported object is not always provided
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is divided into multiple independent support elements (fingers) that can be individually adjusted. Each finger is a separate component that can be positioned independently to match the specific topography of different PCB configurations, providing adaptability without requiring a completely different device for each board type.
Solution Approach 2:
The support fingers are made adjustable in length and position, allowing the device to dynamically adapt to different board configurations. The fingers can be extended or retracted, and their positions can be modified to match varying component heights and board layouts, enabling a single device to handle multiple board types effectively.
2Force
If pistons continuously press upwardly to support boards, then support force is maintained, but the board cannot lie truly flat and may move during back-side component installation
Solution Approach 1:
The support mechanism uses lockable fingers that can be engaged or disengaged as needed. Rather than continuous pressing, the fingers provide support force only when locked into position, allowing the board to be securely held flat during critical operations like component installation while maintaining support readiness when unlocked.
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous pressing action is replaced by discrete, lockable support points. The support force is extracted from a continuous piston press and concentrated into specific lockable finger positions that can be individually engaged to match the board's topography, providing stable support without preventing the board from lying flat.
3Manufacturing precision
If aluminum plates are machined with patterns corresponding to PCB topography to support components, then precise support is provided, but manufacturing cost increases significantly for limited quantity production
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of machining a single complex aluminum plate to match each unique PCB topography, the support device uses multiple standardized support fingers that can be independently adjusted. This segmentation allows the same basic device structure to support various board configurations without requiring custom-machined plates for each PCB design.
Solution Approach 2:
The support device is designed as a universal tool that can accommodate multiple PCB configurations through adjustable support fingers. Rather than creating specialized support plates for each board type, a single multi-functional device with adjustable fingers can adapt to different board layouts, component arrangements, and topographies, significantly reducing manufacturing costs for limited quantity production.
4Measurement precision
If a middle plate is moved out of alignment to clamp pins in vertical alignment, then pin positioning precision is improved, but the mechanism becomes overly complex with multiple plates and alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The complex multi-plate alignment mechanism is simplified by extracting the essential function: moving the middle plate out of alignment to clamp pins. The patent eliminates the need for multiple precisely aligned plates and instead uses a simpler mechanism that achieves the same pin-clamping function with fewer components and less stringent alignment requirements.
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 system provides stable, level support for printed circuit boards during manufacturing operations like solder paste printing and component placement, reducing the risk of board flexing and damage, while being simpler and more cost-effective than previous solutions, with reduced manufacturing costs and no need for additional tooling.
Implementation Method 1
a base plate having a plurality of elastically compressible members positioned thereon
Implementation Method 2
A plurality of deformable pins are provided for insertion into at least some of the apertures in the second, third and fourth plates
Data Source
AI summary
An improved substrate support system for clamping spring loaded pins that support substrates, such as printed circuit boards, which have even profiles, and uneven profiles due to components being installed on one side during manufacturing operations to the opposite side of the substrate. The substrate support system can utilize a cam lever, a knob, or a draw latch to move a clamping plate between an aligned position and a clamping position.