Vehicle Electronic Device Projecting Tab Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic device assembly methods, such as screwing and elastic or snap fit couplings, are inefficient and unsuitable for thin, flexible, or fragile components like printed circuit boards, requiring high precision and time-consuming steps.
Innovation Solution
The use of projecting tabs on a supporting frame that can be bent to attach electronic substrates without screws, providing a visual indication of completed attachment and acting as mistake-proofing mechanisms to ensure proper assembly, with conductive paste strands for electromagnetic protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screwing is used to assemble internal components, then reliable attachment is achieved, but assembly time increases and high precision tooling is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the screwing mechanical system with a snap-fit coupling system. The elastic covering element engages with fixing elements on the supporting frame through elastic deformation, eliminating the need for screws and high-precision tooling while maintaining secure attachment. This substitution reduces assembly time and tooling requirements while preserving attachment reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes elastic deformation as a key parameter change. The covering element is designed to elastically deform during assembly to engage with the fixing elements, then maintain this deformed state to provide secure attachment. This elastic parameter change enables quick assembly without screws while ensuring reliable fixation of the electronic substrate.
2Loss of time
If elastic or snap fit couplings are used, then assembly time is reduced, but reliable coupling for thin, flexible, or fragile parts cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing the covering element with different properties in different regions. The covering element has elastic properties for quick engagement but incorporates recesses and structural features that provide localized support and protection for thin, flexible electronic substrates. This localized quality enhancement ensures coupling reliability for fragile parts while maintaining fast assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by designing the covering element with elastic properties that absorb assembly forces and protect fragile electronic substrates during the snap-fit process. The elastic deformation acts as a cushion, preventing damage to thin or flexible parts while ensuring reliable coupling. This prior cushioning enables fast assembly without compromising the integrity of fragile components.
3Productivity
If projecting tabs are bent to attach substrates, then assembly is simplified and accelerated, but visual indication of completion is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color changes as a visual indication mechanism. The covering element or fixing elements are designed with visible color differences between the assembled and unassembled states. When the projecting tabs are properly bent and engaged, the color indication shows assembly completion, providing immediate visual feedback to operators and eliminating uncertainty about assembly status.
4Reliability
If projecting tabs are used as mistake-proofing, then incorrect assembly is prevented, but tab design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry to the projecting tabs and corresponding recesses in the covering element. The tabs are designed with asymmetric shapes that only fit into matching asymmetric recesses in the correct orientation. This asymmetric design provides built-in mistake-proofing, preventing incorrect assembly while the actual tab geometry remains relatively simple. The asymmetry is minimal and does not significantly increase manufacturing complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Electronic device such as a camera for a vehicle, including: - a supporting frame (10), - a main electronic substrate (20), provided with at least one electric or electronic component or circuit and coupled to the supporting frame (10); - a secondary electronic substrate (30), provided with at least one electric or electronic component or circuit and coupled to the supporting frame (10); - wherein the supporting frame (10) has at least one main projecting tab (11) and at least one secondary projecting tab (12), each capable to occupy a non-twisted position or a twisted position, wherein the main projecting tab (11), when in the twisted position, is providing an attachment of the main electronic substrate (20) to the supporting frame (10), and wherein the secondary projecting tab (12), when in the twisted position, is providing an attachment of the secondary electronic substrate (30) to the supporting frame (10).