Post Member With Through-Hole for Sealed PCB Attachment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for securing a printed circuit board (PCB) to a housing in electronic control units (ECUs) often result in cracked post members and compromised sealing, leading to a less robust attachment and potential leaks.
Innovation Solution
A cylindrical post member with a through-hole is used, where the distal end is deformed to widen and secure the PCB, and additional features like adhesive-backed vent materials, rubber ball members, or sealant materials are employed to enhance sealing and venting without the need for screws.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If dome-shaped post members are used and deformed to secure the PCB, then the PCB attachment is achieved, but cracks are formed along the post members compromising the seal
Solution Approach 1:
The post member is segmented into distinct functional zones: an undeformed shaft portion that maintains structural integrity and sealing, and a deformed distal end portion that provides secure PCB attachment. This segmentation allows the sealing function and attachment function to be performed in separate regions, preventing cracks from compromising the seal.
Solution Approach 2:
The post member is pre-formed with a specific geometry featuring a shaft portion and a distal end portion before assembly. This preliminary shaping allows the deformation to occur in a controlled manner during assembly, ensuring that the sealing surface remains intact while the attachment portion is properly deformed.
2Strength
If the distal end of the post member is deformed to secure the PCB, then attachment is achieved, but the seal around the post member is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The post member structure separates the sealing function (shaft portion) from the attachment function (distal end portion), allowing deformation to occur only in the distal end while the shaft portion maintains the seal.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the post member have different properties: the shaft portion maintains its original geometry for sealing, while the distal end portion is deformed for attachment. This local differentiation ensures that deformation does not compromise the seal.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional venting components are added to provide venting, then venting function is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The post member serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, secures the PCB through deformation, maintains sealing, and enables venting through the through-hole. By integrating these functions into a single component, the design achieves versatility without increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The venting function is merged with the post member structure by incorporating a through-hole, eliminating the need for separate venting components. This consolidation reduces the total number of parts while maintaining all necessary functions.
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 method provides a robust and reliable attachment of the PCB to the housing while maintaining a seal, eliminating cracks and ensuring effective venting without additional venting components.
Implementation Method 1
A distal end portion of the post member is deformed so as to fix the printed circuit board to the housing
Implementation Method 2
an adhesive-backed vent material is disposed on an underside of the housing over the through-hole of the post member so as to form a vent
Implementation Method 3
a ball member is disposed in the through-hole of the post member so as to form a seal therewith
Implementation Method 4
a sealant material is disposed at least one of over and in the distal end portion of the post member so as to form a seal therewith
Implementation Method 5
a seal member is disposed between the plug member and an inner surface of the post member. The seal member forms a seal between the plug member and the post member
Data Source
AI summary
An electronics unit includes a housing, the housing having a base portion with a post member extending from the base portion. The post member has a through-hole defined through the post member. A printed circuit board is connected to the housing at a plurality of connection points. The printed circuit board includes one or more electric or electronic components disposed thereon and has an aperture. The post member is disposed through the aperture of the printed circuit board. A distal end portion of the post member is larger than a diameter of the aperture so as to fix the printed circuit board to the housing, forming one of the connection points. A seal member is disposed at least partly within the through-hole of the post member and forms a seal with the post member.