Transmission Control Base for Flexible Sensor Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing transmission control devices face challenges in easily attaching and positioning signal input elements, such as sensors, due to fixed connections and complex electrical integration, which limits flexibility and material choices due to high reflow soldering temperatures.

Innovation Solution

A transmission control device design featuring a base with a cavity on the circuit board element, allowing for easy attachment and electrical connection of signal input elements via connection elements that protrude from the base, enabling secure and flexible positioning without the need for high-temperature reflow soldering, using cost-effective materials and allowing greater assembly heights.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If signal input elements are attached to the circuit board element using screws or rivets, then the electrical connection can be established, but the position of the signal input element relative to the circuit board element is fixed and changing this position requires a fundamental design change of the circuit board element

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePosition flexibility of signal input elementVSAvoidCircuit board element design complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base element is segmented from the circuit board element, allowing the signal input element to be positioned flexibly on the base without requiring redesign of the entire circuit board. The base acts as an intermediate platform that can be reconfigured independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base element serves as an intermediary between the circuit board element and the signal input element. This mediator allows position changes of the signal input element without affecting the circuit board design, as adjustments are made only to the base-element assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If through-hole solder contacts are used to establish electrical connection between the signal input element and the circuit board element, then the connection is reliable, but the process is technically complex and requires high-temperature reflow soldering

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveElectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidManufacturing process simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex through-hole soldering process with a simpler mechanical connection system using connection elements that protrude from the base. These elements establish electrical contact through direct mechanical engagement, eliminating the need for high-temperature reflow soldering while maintaining connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection elements are designed as simple, replaceable components that can be easily manufactured and installed. Rather than requiring permanent, complex soldered connections, these elements provide a simpler, more manufacturable solution that can be replaced if needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of manufacture

If the signal input element is introduced into the cavity after reflow soldering, then cost-effective thermoplastic materials can be used, but the maximum permissible mounting height is limited by the free height of the reflow soldering oven

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveMaterial cost effectivenessVSAvoidMounting height of signal input element

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The circuit board element and base are prepared with connection elements and sealing layers before the signal input element is introduced. This preliminary preparation allows the signal input element to be installed after reflow soldering, enabling the use of cost-effective thermoplastic materials without being constrained by reflow oven height limitations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The signal input element installation step is extracted from the reflow soldering process. By separating these operations, the patent allows thermoplastic materials to be used for the signal input element while avoiding the height constraints of reflow ovens, as the element is installed separately after soldering is complete.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3556187B1Transmission control apparatus and method for fastening a signal input element to a circuit board element of a transmission control apparatus

Publication Date: 2024.07.24 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH

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AI summary

The invention relates to a transmission control apparatus (10), particularly for a motor vehicle, comprising a circuit board element (20), wherein: a base (40) having a hollow space (42) for receiving at least a part of a signal input element (50) is fastened on a first surface of the circuit board element (20), the signal input element (50) is at least partially fastened in the hollow space (42) and is electrically connected to the circuit board element (20) via the base (40), the circuit board element (20) comprises a cut-out (30) for inserting the signal input element (50) into the hollow space (42) through the circuit board element (20), and a first fixing layer (80) for sealing the area between the base (40) and the circuit board element (20) is arranged on the first surface of the circuit board element (20) and on a part of the base (40).