PCB Thermal Component Attachment Clip Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing attachment methods for thermal management components on printed circuit boards (PCBs) are inefficient in providing a secure and thermally conductive interface, particularly when using mechanical methods like springs and spring clips, which can compromise the stability and heat dissipation of these components.

Innovation Solution

The proposed attachment apparatus comprises a body with intersecting arms and a ring configuration, capable of facilitating thermal conductivity, using materials like metallic or non-metallic materials, and featuring offset stands for secure attachment of thermal management components such as heat sinks, allowing for efficient heat dissipation and mechanical stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical attachment methods like springs and spring clips are used, then the thermal management component can be attached to the PCB, but the stability and heat dissipation performance are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment stabilityVSAvoidheat dissipation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical spring-based attachment system with a clips-based mechanical attachment system. The clips engage with recesses in the PCB to provide stable mechanical retention while maintaining thermal contact between the thermal management component and the PCB, thereby improving both attachment stability and heat dissipation efficiency compared to spring-based mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The thermal management component utilizes composite construction combining metallic materials for structural integrity and thermal conductivity with non-metallic materials for insulation and mechanical properties. This composite approach enables effective heat dissipation while maintaining stable attachment to the PCB through the clip mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If traditional mechanical attachment methods are used, then the component can be secured to the PCB, but the thermal conductivity and heat dissipation are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidheat dissipation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical attachment methods with a clips-based system that provides superior attachment security while improving thermal conductivity. The clips are designed to apply optimal contact pressure to ensure intimate thermal contact between the thermal management component and the PCB, enhancing heat dissipation capability while maintaining strong mechanical attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs metallic and non-metallic materials with optimized thermal and mechanical parameters. The metallic components provide high thermal conductivity and structural strength, while non-metallic components provide insulation and complementary mechanical properties. This parameter optimization enables simultaneous improvement in attachment security and heat dissipation performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If springs and spring clips are used for attachment, then the component can be mounted, but the mechanical stability is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment implementationVSAvoidmechanical stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces spring-based mechanical attachment with a clips-based system that achieves both ease of manufacture and superior mechanical stability. The clips are designed to be simple in structure for easy manufacturing while providing rigid, stable attachment when engaged with the PCB recesses, eliminating the vibrational instability and reliability issues associated with spring mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This solution provides a secure and thermally efficient attachment of thermal management components to PCBs, enhancing heat dissipation and mechanical stability, suitable for various thermal management devices including active and passive cooling systems.

Implementation Method 1

capable of facilitating thermal conductivity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS7782622B1Attachment apparatus for electronic boards
Publication Date: 2010.08.24 NVIDIA CORP
  • US7782622B1 patent drawing
  • US7782622B1 patent drawing
  • US7782622B1 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed is an attachment apparatus. The attachment apparatus may facilitate attachment of various components to a printed circuit board (PCB) including a thermal management component.