Spider Clip for PCB Fixation in Optical Transceivers

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Solution Overview

Problem

The assembly of optical transceiver modules is labor-intensive due to the use of screws to secure printed circuit boards, which occupies valuable central space and delays the assembly process, while also limiting the usable surface area of the PCB.

Innovation Solution

A resilient spider clip with legs and springs is used to frictionally secure the PCB within the communications module, providing a simplified assembly method and maximizing usable space by attaching to the module's perimeter, allowing for easy installation and removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a screw or fastener is used to secure the PCB, then the PCB is securely fixed to the transceiver housing, but the assembly process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure fixation of PCBVSAvoidassembly speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the fastening function from the central PCB area and relocates it to the perimeter housing structure. The spider clip is attached to the housing perimeter rather than the PCB itself, eliminating the need for screws or fasteners on the PCB while maintaining secure fixation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The spider clip acts as an intermediary component between the housing and the PCB. Instead of directly fastening the PCB to the housing with screws, the clip mediates this connection by attaching to the housing perimeter and engaging with the PCB edges, simplifying the assembly process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a screw or fastener is used to secure the PCB, then secure fixation is achieved, but the central portion of the PCB is occupied and usable surface area is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure fixation of PCBVSAvoidusable PCB surface area

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention moves the fastening operation from the two-dimensional PCB surface (central area) to the three-dimensional perimeter structure of the housing. By attaching the clip to the housing perimeter and having it engage the PCB edges, the central PCB surface remains completely available for component placement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If traditional fastening methods are used, then secure fixation is achieved, but assembly complexity and labor intensity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure fixation of PCBVSAvoidassembly procedure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spider clip is designed to be self-attaching to the housing perimeter through friction fit or snap-fit mechanisms. The clip's legs naturally engage with the housing structure without requiring additional fasteners, alignment procedures, or complex assembly steps, making the entire process self-service and tool-free.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The spider clip incorporates flexible or resilient materials that allow it to deform during assembly and then maintain a secure friction fit with the housing perimeter. This flexibility enables simple snap-in installation without requiring precise alignment or additional fastening operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 solution simplifies the assembly of communications modules, reduces assembly time, and increases the usable space on the printed circuit board by securely attaching the PCB to the module's perimeter, enhancing the design and functionality of the transceiver.

Implementation Method 1

two or more springs-one each included at corresponding ends of the legs—that are configured to resiliently compress against corresponding contact zones on a circuit board disposed within the communications module when the communications module is assembled

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

two or more springs-one each included at corresponding ends of the legs—that are configured to resiliently compress

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8218335B2Spider clip for securing a circuit board within a communications module

Publication Date: 2012.07.10 II VI DELAWARE INC

AI summary

A clip for securing a component, such as a circuit board, within a communications module is disclosed. The clip may include a flat base with legs extending therefrom and resilient springs disposed at terminal ends of each of the legs. The legs may be configured to frictionally secure the clip to the module. For instance, the legs may secure the clip to a top shell portion of the module. The springs may be configured to resiliently compress against corresponding contact zones on the circuit board when the top shell is mated with a bottom shell of the module such that the circuit board is secured in place within the module. Accordingly, embodiments of the invention enable the quick and simple assembly of modules without the need for fasteners and other time-consuming and/or labor-intensive solutions conventionally implemented to secure circuit boards and other components within the modules.