Retaining Member Wedge Latch for Substrate Coating Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional retaining members for electric components have low retaining strength to substrates, leading to easy removal and potential damage to the substrate's metal coating layer during assembly, which compromises the structural integrity and reliability of electric devices.
Innovation Solution
A retaining member design featuring a pair of first leg portions with a latch portion and a spring portion that are inserted into openings on a substrate, utilizing a wedge-shaped latch portion and a U-shaped spring portion to enhance retaining strength and reduce substrate damage, allowing for secure attachment of electric components without excessive force on the substrate's coating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the spring portion contacts the side wall of the opening by reactive force to retain the electric component, then the electric component is retained on the substrate, but the bearing force with respect to tensile is low and the metal coating layer is easily peeled off
Solution Approach 1:
The latch portion acts as an intermediary element between the spring portion and the side wall of the opening. Instead of the spring portion directly contacting the side wall, the latch portion transmits the retaining force, thereby preventing direct contact that would cause peeling of the metal coating layer while still achieving reliable retention of the electric component
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining member is segmented into distinct functional portions: the spring portion for elastic deformation and force generation, the latch portion for force transmission without direct side wall contact, and the base portion for structural support. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function optimally, resolving the contradiction between retaining strength and coating layer protection
2Strength
If the retaining strength is improved by increasing reaction force, then the electric component is more securely retained, but the metal coating layer on the side wall is easily damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The latch portion serves as a mediator that transmits the reaction force from the spring portion to the electric component without requiring direct contact between the spring portion and the side wall. This intermediary structure enables high retaining strength while preventing damage to the metal coating layer on the side wall
Solution Approach 2:
The latch portion is specifically designed with local geometric features (such as a wedge shape or hooked end) that concentrate the force transmission at specific contact points away from the side wall, while the spring portion maintains its elastic properties for force generation. This local quality differentiation allows high strength retention without side wall damage
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 enhanced retaining member significantly improves the retaining strength of electric components to the substrate, reducing the likelihood of component removal and minimizing damage to the substrate's coating, thereby increasing the reliability and durability of electric devices.
Implementation Method 1
A spring portion of the first leg portion is deformed elastically and inserted into an opening of the substrate in the plate thickness direction with a coupling portion between the spring portion and a parallel portion as a fulcrum point. The plate thickness direction is a direction substantially perpendicular to the substrate thickness and an inward direction in the opening. Then, the spring portion contacts a side wall of the opening by reactive force to the deformation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6B
AI summary
A retaining member (60) includes at least a leg portion (72, 82) having a latch portion (73, 83), a coupling portion (74, 84) and a spring portion (75, 85). When the spring portion is displaced, the coupling portion is twisted. Then, the latch portion and the coupling portion are inserted into the opening (34) so that an electric component (50) is retained on a main face (31a) of the substrate (31). In this state, a part of the latch portion is disposed at the periphery of the opening on a rear face (31b) of the substrate, a part of the coupling portion is disposed in the opening, and the spring portion is disposed on the main face of the substrate. Therefore, the retaining strength of the electric component to the substrate can be improved, and damage of a side wall of the opening can be decreased.