Electronic Module Support Structure With Screw Capture Member

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing support structures for electronic modules on circuit boards often result in screws falling into the chassis during attachment or detachment, leading to time-consuming and inefficient operations.

Innovation Solution

A support structure comprising a stud member with a flange and a cylindrical body, a screw for supporting the electronic module, and a metal capture member with a stud connection part, a screw holding part, and an elastically deformable arm part, which captures and holds the screw in a relatively rotatable state.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a screw is used to support the electronic module on the circuit board, then the electronic module can be securely fixed, but the screw may fall into the chassis during attachment or detachment operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure fixation of electronic moduleVSAvoidworkability of attaching and detaching electronic module

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A capture member is introduced as an intermediary component between the screw and the chassis. This capture member has a holding part that retains the screw and prevents it from falling into the chassis, while still allowing the screw to perform its fixation function. The capture member acts as a mediator that resolves the conflict between secure fixation and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The capture member serves multiple functions: it holds the screw to prevent loss, allows the screw to be inserted and removed, and provides a structure that facilitates easy attachment and detachment of the electronic module. By combining these multiple functions into a single component, the design improves both reliability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Strength

If a screw is used to support the electronic module, then the module can be firmly attached, but time and effort are required to retrieve lost screws

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strength of electronic moduleVSAvoidtime to retrieve or replace screw

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The capture member serves as an intermediary that prevents the screw from being lost in the first place. By providing a holding structure that guides and retains the screw, it eliminates the need for time-consuming retrieval operations while maintaining the firm attachment capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The capture member is pre-installed on the circuit board before the screw is attached. This preliminary action ensures that when the screw is later removed or misplaced, the capture member is already in position to guide and retrieve it, preventing loss and reducing recovery time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If a simple screw support structure is used, then the design is simple, but screws may be lost during module replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of support structureVSAvoidprevention of screw loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The capture member is introduced as an intermediary component that adds screw loss prevention functionality without significantly complicating the overall structure. It is a simple, standalone piece that can be easily integrated into the existing support structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The capture member includes an elastically deformable arm that can flex to allow screw insertion and removal while maintaining the holding function. This elastic flexibility adds functionality without requiring complex mechanical structures.

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

The proposed support structure enhances the workability of attaching and detaching electronic modules by preventing screws from falling into the chassis, thus reducing the risk of loss and improving operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

an elastically deformable arm part that connects the stud connection part and the screw holding part

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20250194038A1Support structure and electronic apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.06.12 LENOVO (SINGAPORE) PTE LTD

AI summary

A support structure supports, on a circuit board, one end of an electronic module having the other end connected to a connector mounted on the circuit board. The support structure includes: a stud member having a flange fixed to a surface of the circuit board, and a cylindrical body which has a screw hole formed therein and which rises from the flange; a screw capable of supporting the other end of the electronic module by being screwed into the screw hole; and a metal capture member having a stud connection part connected to the stud member, a screw holding part that holds the screw in a relatively rotatable state, and an elastically deformable arm part that connects the stud connection part and the screw holding part.