PCB Wedge Clamp with Ramp Mechanism for Easy Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wedge clamps used to mount printed circuit boards and other electronic components often become stuck due to dust and debris accumulation, making it difficult to release them for replacement or inspection.
Innovation Solution
A releasable clamping device with multiple wedge members and a carrier that adjusts between a release and locking configuration, allowing for easy engagement and disengagement by sliding the wedge members along a ramp surface, facilitated by a threaded input and spring mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wedge clamps are used to frictionally retain components, then secure retention is achieved, but the clamps become stuck due to dust and debris accumulation over time
Solution Approach 1:
A ramp surface is introduced as an intermediary element between the wedge clamp and the housing. The ramp surface allows the wedge clamp to be easily inserted and removed by converting vertical motion into horizontal motion, eliminating the sticking problem caused by dust and debris accumulation in traditional friction-based clamps
2Strength
If wedge clamps rely on friction to retain components, then secure mounting is achieved, but release becomes difficult after extended use
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge clamp system transitions from a static friction-based retention mechanism to a dynamic ramp-based mechanism. The ramp surface enables the wedge clamp to dynamically adjust its position during insertion and removal, allowing easy component replacement while maintaining strong mounting during operation
3Device complexity
If traditional wedge clamps are used, then simple structure is maintained, but dust and debris accumulation causes operational problems
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp surface acts as a mediator that separates the wedge clamp from direct contact with the housing interior where dust and debris accumulate. This intermediary surface allows the clamp to function effectively without being affected by contamination in the enclosed space
Solution Approach 2:
The retention system is segmented into distinct functional elements: the wedge clamp, the ramp surface, and the housing. This segmentation allows the ramp surface to be designed specifically to prevent dust and debris accumulation issues while maintaining the overall simplicity of the clamp structure
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
Enables secure retention and easy release of electronic components, preventing sticking issues and simplifying maintenance and replacement processes.
Implementation Method 1
The carrier comprises an ramp surface upon which the first end face of the fourth wedge member contacts and is disposed to slide with respect to the ramp surface of the carrier
Implementation Method 2
The first wedge member further comprises a bore therethrough between the upper surface and an opposite lower surface... the first end face that defines an oblique surface with respect to upper surface of the first member, that is disposed at a first angle with respect to the upper surface of the first member
Implementation Method 3
Removable wedge clamps to frictionally retain components within with respect to rigid housings are well known
Data Source
AI summary
A releasable clamping device is provided. The device includes a plurality of wedge members that slidably are disposed upon a carrier, with an input disposed in conjunction with a first wedge member. The input interacts with a projection and when the input is moved the first wedge members slides along the carrier. Motion of the first wedge member causes vertical motion of the second and fourth wedge members, which in combination cause the thickness of the releasable clamping device to increase, which frictionally retains the carrier and associated components thereon (such as a PCB) within a housing. The input may be moved in an opposite direction which causes the first wedge member to slide along the carrier in an opposite direction and causes the second and fourth wedge members to vertically move toward the carrier thereby narrowing the overall thickness of the device to allow removal of the carrier.