Positioning Pin Integrates Circuit Board Fixation in Electrical Machine Housing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing housing components for electrical machines require additional work steps and space for centering and fixing electrical circuit boards, which complicates both manual and automated assembly and can lead to sagging or bending of the boards.

Innovation Solution

A housing component with a positioning pin that serves as both a support and clamping mechanism, featuring elastic properties and projections for a press fit connection, allowing for easy installation and secure fixation without additional components, enabling both manual and automated assembly while preventing board sagging and bending.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If additional centering pins and clamping elements are used to fix the circuit board, then the circuit board can be securely fixed in the housing component, but the device complexity increases and more installation space is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure fixation of circuit boardVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the centering pin and clamping element into a single integrated positioning pin. The positioning pin has a cylindrical body with a clamping protrusion that extends radially outward, eliminating the need for separate centering pins and clamping elements. This merging reduces component count while maintaining secure fixation of the circuit board.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning pin serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a centering element to position the circuit board, a clamping element to secure the board against the housing component, and a support structure. The clamping protrusion provides both positioning and clamping functions in a single component, demonstrating multi-functionality that reduces overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple separate components (centering pin, stops, clamping elements) are used, then the circuit board can be positioned and fixed, but the manufacturing cost increases and production time is extended

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning and fixation of circuit boardVSAvoidmanufacturing cost and production time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning pin integrates multiple functions (centering, clamping, positioning) into a single component that can be manufactured in one piece. This eliminates the need to manufacture and assemble multiple separate components, reducing manufacturing complexity and production time while maintaining reliable circuit board fixation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If additional fixing components are installed, then the circuit board can be secured, but the installation space in the housing component increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure fixation of circuit boardVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated positioning pin combines centering and clamping functions in a single component, reducing the total volume required for fixation mechanisms. The clamping protrusion extends radially from the pin body, providing effective clamping without requiring additional space for separate clamping elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If manual deformation of centering pins is required to form locking heads, then the circuit board can be fixed, but the number of work steps increases and assembly time is extended

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation of circuit boardVSAvoidassembly speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping protrusion is pre-formed on the positioning pin during manufacturing, eliminating the need for post-assembly deformation steps. The protrusion is already in the correct position and shape to provide immediate clamping when the circuit board is installed, enabling quick assembly without additional work steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning pin automatically performs both centering and clamping functions during a single installation operation. As the circuit board is inserted, the clamping protrusion automatically engages to secure the board, eliminating the need for separate manual deformation or locking steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 simplifies the assembly process, reduces production costs, and ensures secure fixation of the circuit board, preventing damage during installation and maintaining stability over time.

Implementation Method 1

The positioning pin is at least slightly elastic or elastic-plastic, at least in the clamping area. Due to this elastic property, a printed circuit board pushed onto the positioning pin cannot be removed from it without damage.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2992594B1Housing assembly having a housing component for an electrical machine and an electrical circuit board
Publication Date: 2019.11.13 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP2992594B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP2992594B1 patent drawingFigure 1b~1c
  • EP2992594B1 patent drawingFigure 2a

AI summary

The present invention relates to a housing component, in particular for an electrical machine, having a positioning pin for arranging an electrical circuit board in an interior of the housing component. The positioning pin has a stop for limiting the movement of the board in a direction of extension of the positioning pin. The positioning pin also has a means of clamping the electrical circuit board, said clamping means being arranged in a clamping region above the stop in the direction of extension. The present invention also relates to a housing assembly comprising a housing component of this type and an electrical circuit board. The present invention further relates to an adjustment drive for a motor vehicle, said drive having a housing assembly of this type, and to a method for producing the adjustment drive.