PCB Support Pin Locking for Stress-Free Soldering Fixtures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses for holding printed circuit boards (PCBs) during component soldering face challenges in providing a consistent support surface due to varying component dimensions, leading to potential damage or dislodgment of components and board distortion from spring-loaded pins, which exert variable forces.
Innovation Solution
A cam-operated apparatus with elongate flexible members and anchor members that apply tension to support pins, allowing for a reconfigurable support surface that conforms to the PCB and components, with a locking mechanism to secure pins in position, preventing distortion and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If spring loaded pins are used to provide a support surface, then the support surface can conform to the topography of the PCB and components, but the variable force exerted by the pins may damage or dislodge the components and distort the board
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the force parameter from variable (spring-loaded) to constant (pre-tensioned elastic members), eliminating the harmful effect of excessive or inconsistent force while maintaining the adaptability of the support surface to component topography
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces elastic members as intermediaries between the anchor members and the support pins, providing a consistent pre-tensioned force that allows the pins to conform to component shapes without exerting damaging variable forces
2Adaptability or versatility
If individually spring loaded pins are provided to conform to component topography, then the support surface adapts to different component dimensions, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the support system into independent adjustable support pins, each controlled by its own anchor member and elastic member assembly, allowing individual positioning without requiring complex interconnected spring mechanisms for each pin
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the support pin positions dynamically adjustable through the anchor members and elastic members, enabling the support surface to adapt to different component topographies while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure compared to fully spring-loaded systems
3Adaptability or versatility
If the support surface is exchanged or altered for each PCB arrangement, then the support conforms to the specific component layout, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the support surface to self-adjust to component topography through the elastic members and anchor members that automatically position support pins according to the presence and shape of components, eliminating the need for manual exchange or alteration of support surfaces for different PCB arrangements
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 apparatus provides a reliable and stress-free support for PCBs and components during soldering, ensuring secure positioning without distorting the board, and facilitating easy access for soldering on both sides by adjusting the support pins' height and locking mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
Said actuating means may comprise a cam having a cam surface arranged to act upon the at least one anchor member to displace said at least one anchor member away from the other when moved to an operative configuration
Implementation Method 2
Each support pin is individually retainable in a reconfigurable position relative to the base plate by a locking mechanism comprising at least one elongate flexible member extending around the support pin
Implementation Method 3
Said carriers may be provided with biasing means biasing said clamp members towards one another. Said biasing means may comprise springs mounted on said guide rails or tracks acting between a respective end of the guide rail or track and a mounting portion of the respective carrier
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for holding a printed circuit board when mounting components thereon, said apparatus comprising a base plate, a mounting means for mounting a printed circuit board spaced from and substantially parallel to the base plate, a plurality of elongate support pins extending through respective holes within the base plate to extend transversely from the base plate, the support pins being independently positionable in height with respect to the base plate to define a configurable support surface for supporting components mounted on the printed circuit board during soldering, wherein the height that each pin extends from the base plate can be adjusted such that the support surface defined by the support pins can correspond to the topography of the circuit board and the components mounted thereon, a locking mechanism being provided for selectively locking the position of each support pin with respect to the base plate, wherein said locking mechanism comprises at least one elongate flexible member arranged to extend around a plurality of said support pins in convolute manner, tensioning means being associated with said at least one flexible member, whereby said tensioning means is adapted to selectively apply tension to said at least one flexible member to grip the pins around which said flexible member extends to lock the position of said pins with respect to the base plate.