Pivoting Retainer Clamp for Automated Circuit Board Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping devices for electronic equipment assembly are cumbersome and hinder automation efforts.
Innovation Solution
A clamping device with a pivoting retainer mechanism, utilizing a plunger and spring elements, allows for automated assembly by pivoting a retainer between stowed and deployed positions to securely clamp circuit elements and boards, enabling efficient alignment and soldering without manual access to the clamping volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a traditional clamping device is used to secure circuit elements during assembly, then the components can be held in place, but the device becomes cumbersome and hinders automation efforts
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is designed to pivot between a stowed position (within the base aperture) and a deployed position (exterior to the clamp base), transforming a static clamping structure into a dynamic one that can be automatically positioned by the plunger mechanism, thereby enabling automation while maintaining secure clamping capability
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element automatically returns the retainer to its stowed position after the plunger extends, eliminating the need for manual intervention or complex control systems. The device serves itself by using the spring's stored energy to reset the mechanism, simplifying the overall system for automated operation
2Productivity
If manual access to the clamping volume is required for alignment and soldering, then precise positioning can be achieved, but assembly efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer pivots from a radial position (within the base aperture) to an axial position (exterior to the clamp base), utilizing a different spatial dimension to achieve deployment. This dimensional transformation allows automated plunger actuation while maintaining the clamping function, eliminating the need for manual access and improving assembly efficiency
3Strength
If the retainer remains within the base aperture, then the device structure is compact, but secure clamping of components cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer transitions from a retracted state (within the base aperture) to an extended state (exterior to the clamp base) through pivoting motion. This dynamic repositioning allows the retainer to engage components for secure clamping when needed, while maintaining a compact structure when not in use, thus achieving both strong clamping force and compact volume
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
Facilitates automated assembly of electronic components by ensuring precise clamping and soldering without damaging the components, enhancing assembly efficiency and reducing manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
The first spring element is disposed within the base aperture and compressed between the clamp base and the plunger base when the plunger is in the extended position
Implementation Method 2
The second spring element is configured to pivot the retainer from the stowed position to the deployed position
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for assembling an apparatus. During this method, a circuit element is arranged with a circuit board. The circuit element includes an element aperture. The circuit board includes a board aperture. A plunger is moved in a first direction to pass a distal end of the plunger through the element aperture and the board aperture and into a volume adjacent the circuit board. A retainer is pivoted within the volume. The retainer is pivotally mounted to the plunger at the distal end of the plunger. The plunger is moved in a second direction to clamp the circuit board between the retainer and the circuit element.