Resilient Component Holder for Downhole PCB Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for holding rigid components in downhole bore assemblies require extensive modification and milling, leading to costly and time-consuming fabrication of metallic enclosures, which are often electrically isolated and have orientation issues, and cannot accommodate components of varying lengths efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A component mounting apparatus featuring parallel spaced component holders with a resilient support that can flex to grip rigid components, formed from electrically insulating materials, allowing for flexible orientation and connection of multiple components in a unitary body with angled connecting interfaces for efficient assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional metallic enclosures are used with extensive milling and modification, then strong structural support is achieved, but fabrication time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting apparatus is divided into modular components including a body, support structure, and component holders that can be manufactured separately and assembled, eliminating the need for extensive milling of a single metallic enclosure
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a non-metallic, easily fabricable mounting apparatus that replaces expensive, time-consuming metallic enclosures requiring extensive modification, achieving the same functional purpose with simpler, more economical materials
2Strength
If metallic enclosures are used for mounting components, then structural strength is provided, but electrical isolation requirements increase complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material parameter from conductive metal to electrically insulating material, simultaneously providing structural strength while eliminating the need for electrical isolation measures
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting apparatus uses composite or non-metallic materials that combine structural strength with electrical insulation properties, eliminating the need for separate isolation mechanisms
3Ease of manufacture
If components are mounted linearly one after another on the enclosure, then mounting is straightforward, but the enclosure length must accommodate total component length
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from linear mounting to a two-dimensional planar arrangement of component holders on the body, allowing components to be mounted side-by-side rather than end-to-end, significantly reducing the required length
4Adaptability or versatility
If extensive milling is required to modify enclosures for component mounting, then custom mounting solutions are achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting apparatus features standardized component holders with receiving spaces that can accommodate different rigid components without requiring custom modification, providing universal mounting capability
Solution Approach 2:
The component holders are pre-formed with receiving spaces during manufacturing, eliminating the need for post-manufacturing milling or modification to accommodate components
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
The apparatus provides a cost-effective, efficient, and flexible solution for holding rigid components in downhole applications, enabling secure mounting without extensive modification, accommodating components of varying lengths, and allowing for easy assembly and disassembly while maintaining electrical insulation.
Implementation Method 1
The first support may have a resilient portion operable to flex to permit the first and second component holders to be moved laterally relative to each other to receive and grip the rigid component between the first and second component holders
Data Source
AI summary
A component mounting apparatus for holding a rigid component in a downhole bore or a downhole collar based application includes a first body including first and second parallel spaced apart component holders disposed in a first common plane and a first support connecting the component holders together. The first and second parallel spaced apart component holders are operable to receive and grip a rigid component between the first and second parallel spaced apart component holders. Various component mounting assemblies and configurations may be realized using the component mounting apparatus described. The component mounting apparatus and various mounting assemblies may be used to mount a printed circuit board in a cylindrical enclosure or tubular housing, for example.