Bi-directional Snap Fit Electronic Unit Post Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mountable circuit assemblies, such as remote sensing units, face challenges in maintaining structural integrity and minimizing deflection during locking mechanisms engagement, which can lead to damage and improper orientation, especially when securing sensors like accelerometers and gyroscopes on vehicle sheet metal.
Innovation Solution
A mountable circuit assembly design featuring a housing with first and second locking features aligned to reduce deflection of posts, distributing force and engaging multiple locking mechanisms at different locations to minimize overall deflection and maintain structural integrity, using a twist lock arrangement or snap-fit details to secure the housing to the sheet metal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single locking feature is used to engage the post, then the device complexity is reduced, but the post deflection increases during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into multiple locking features (first locking feature and second locking feature) that engage the post at different locations. This segmentation distributes the engagement forces and reduces post deflection during insertion while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking features are arranged in different spatial dimensions along the post, with the first locking feature engaging at one location and the second locking feature engaging at another location. This dimensional arrangement reduces deflection by distributing forces across multiple engagement points.
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple locking features are used to engage the post at different locations, then the post deflection is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into multiple locking features that independently engage the post at different locations. This segmentation reduces post deflection by distributing engagement forces while keeping each individual locking feature relatively simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
Different locking features are positioned at different locations along the post, providing localized engagement at each position. This local quality approach reduces overall post deflection by distributing forces across multiple engagement points rather than concentrating them at a single location.
3Ease of manufacture
If the locking features are not aligned, then the manufacturing is easier, but the post deflection during insertion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking features are pre-aligned during housing manufacturing to correspond with specific locations on the post. This preliminary alignment ensures that during assembly, the locking features naturally engage the post at the correct positions, reducing post deflection without requiring complex alignment procedures during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking features are positioned asymmetrically at different locations along the post rather than being uniformly distributed. This asymmetric arrangement optimizes the distribution of engagement forces to minimize post deflection while maintaining manufacturability through straightforward positioning.
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 design effectively reduces post deflection and torque during engagement, maintaining structural integrity and ensuring proper orientation and position of the remote sensing unit, thereby enhancing the mechanical connection and operational accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second locking features may be aligned to reduce deflection of the post during insertion
Data Source
AI summary
A mountable circuit assembly is provided. The mountable circuit assembly may be a remote sensor assembly for mounting on sheet metal of a vehicle assembly. The assembly may include a sensor circuit, a housing and a mounting portion. The housing may include a cavity for receiving the sensor circuit. The housing may include first and second locking features. The first locking feature may be on an opposite side of a lock opening from the second locking feature. The mounting portion may be configured to lock into the sheet metal opening in the sheet metal. The mounting portion may have a post such that a plurality of locking features engage the mounting portion. Each locking feature may engage the post at a different position along the longitudinal axis of the post to fasten the housing to the mounting portion.