Spring Elastic Clamping Arm Fastening Element for LED PCBs
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a fastening element that can securely attach a printed circuit board with LEDs to a lamp element while ensuring even contact pressure for optimal heat dissipation, particularly in mass-produced lamps with varied circuit board designs and manufacturing methods, and existing solutions are not suitable for automated production.
Innovation Solution
A fastening element with a shaft and shaft head formed by crimped sheet metal arms, featuring a spring elastic clamping arm that provides defined contact pressure, allowing for efficient attachment and heat transfer without additional components, and incorporating a shaft head with lobes that act as both retention and clamping elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If existing fastening elements are used to attach circuit boards to lamp elements, then attachment is achieved, but defined contact pressure for optimal heat dissipation cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs spring elastic arms that can be adjusted to different degrees of deformation, allowing the contact pressure parameter to be precisely controlled. The spring constant and pre-compression force are designed to provide optimal thermal contact between the circuit board and heat sink surface, directly addressing the heat dissipation requirement while ensuring reliable electrical and thermal contact.
2Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for fastening and clamping, then functional requirements are met, but device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the fastening function and clamping function into a single unified component structure. The spring elastic arms simultaneously perform both anchoring (fastening) and applying contact pressure (clamping) functions, eliminating the need for separate fastening elements and clamping mechanisms. This reduces part count, simplifies assembly, and lowers production costs while maintaining reliable electrical and mechanical connection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fastening methods are used, then attachment is achieved, but adaptability to various circuit board designs and manufacturing methods is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The spring elastic arm design provides universal adaptability to accommodate various circuit board types, sizes, and mounting configurations. The elastic deformation capability allows the same fastening element to work with different board thicknesses and material properties. The standardized interface and simple insertion mechanism enable automated pick-and-place assembly, making the solution suitable for high-volume production across different lamp and circuit board designs.
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 solution enables secure, efficient, and cost-effective attachment of circuit boards to lamp elements with defined contact pressure, enhancing heat dissipation and stability, while simplifying production and assembly processes.
Implementation Method 1
a clamping element which clamps the first component against the second component with a defined contact pressure, wherein the clamping element is formed by a spring elastic clamping arm that is displaceable in a spring elastic manner
Implementation Method 2
a shaft which includes at least one spring elastic support element which anchors the fastening element at the second component
Data Source
AI summary
A fastening element for fastening a first component, like a circuit board fitted with LEDs, including a pass through opening with a second component, like a lamp element which includes a recess like e.g. a dead hole or a pass through opening, the fastening element including a shaft which includes at least one spring elastic support element which anchors the fastening element at the second component, a shaft head which has a larger diameter than the shaft, wherein the shaft head is arranged at one end of the shaft, a clamping element which clamps the first component against the second component with a defined contact pressure, wherein the clamping element is formed by a spring elastic clamping arm that is displace able in a spring elastic manner and which forms a portion of the shaft head and which contacts the first component.