Screwless Circuit Board Retention Device for Compact Electronics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for fixing circuit boards in electronic devices, such as using conductive bosses and thumb screws, are complex, time-consuming, and hinder miniaturization due to the need for screwing and high manufacturing costs.

Innovation Solution

A retention device comprising a first fastener, a first elastic member, a latching member, and a second fastener that allows the circuit board to be securely mounted and easily detached without screws, using a mechanism where the first fastener is moved between fixing and releasing positions by the latching member and the second fastener, allowing the circuit board to be positioned and detached from the case.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional bolts and conductive bosses are used to fix the mainboard, then the mainboard can be securely fixed, but the mounting and dismounting process becomes complicated and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemainboard fixation reliabilityVSAvoidmounting and dismounting time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening mechanism transitions from static bolt-screw connections to a dynamic snap-fit system where the elastic member allows the mainboard to be easily inserted and removed through elastic deformation, significantly reducing mounting and dismounting time while maintaining secure fixation during operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional screw-threaded mechanical fastening system with an elastic deformation-based snap-fit mechanism, eliminating the need for tools and complex screwing/unscrewing operations, thereby reducing time loss while maintaining fixation reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Quantity of substance

If thumb screws are used to fix the mainboard, then the quantity of conductive bosses is reduced, but the manufacturing cost increases and the mounting process remains complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of conductive bossesVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a simple elastic member (such as a rubber or plastic elastomer) that is inexpensive to manufacture and replace, eliminating the need for expensive thumb screws while maintaining the benefit of reduced conductive boss quantity and simplified mounting structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If multiple conductive bosses are used to fix the mainboard, then the mainboard can be securely suspended, but the area occupied increases and miniaturization is hindered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemainboard suspension reliabilityVSAvoidarea occupied by conductive bosses

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the fastening function and the elastic deformation function into a single integrated snap-fit mechanism, eliminating the need for multiple separate conductive bosses and achieving both secure suspension and area reduction simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables rapid and convenient mounting and dismounting of the circuit board in a screwless manner, reducing manufacturing costs and allowing for a more compact electronic device design.

Implementation Method 1

A first elastic member 120 is disposed on the case and leans against the first fastener 110, so as to normally maintain the first fastener 110 at a fixing position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS7426116B1Retention device

Publication Date: 2008.09.16 INVENTEC CORP

AI summary

A retention device is applied in an electronic device. The electronic device has a case and a circuit board, and the circuit board can shifts relative to the case along an integrate direction or a release direction. The retention device includes a first fastener, a latching member, and a second fastener. The first fastener is movably disposed on the case, and the latching member is mounted on one side of the circuit board. When the latching member shifts with the circuit board along the integrate direction to push the first fastener to shift, the latching member is limited by the stopping of the first fastener, and the first fastener shifts due to the pushing of the second fastener. The latching member is separated from the first fastener along the release direction, such that the circuit board is fixed on or detached from the case.