DESC:FIELD
The present disclosure generally relates to the electronic components enclosures.
Particularly, the present disclosure relates to a printed circuit board (PCB) mounting system using plastic wedges in an extruded metallic enclosure, providing an efficient tool-free assembly method.
BACKGROUND
The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.
When integrating a printed circuit board (PCB) within an electro-mechanical enclosure, it is essential to ensure it is securely fastened to mitigate potential damage from impacts or vibrations. Any movement of the printed circuit board (PCB) could lead to safety hazards, including compromised creepage distances or clearance, which may result in electrical arcing or short circuits. Furthermore, movement can cause mechanical stress, potentially damaging electronic components or even fracturing the printed circuit board (PCB).
Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are commonly housed in enclosures fabricated from plastic via injection molding or from metals such as steel or aluminum using sheet metal processes or die-casting techniques. These enclosures are generally designed with dedicated mounting points to facilitate the secure attachment of the PCB using appropriate fasteners.
For the current charger printed circuit board (PCB) design, which necessitates efficient thermal management, an aluminum extruded casing is favored due to its technical and economic benefits. The extrusion process was chosen over die-casting because it provides superior thermal dissipation in all directions, while also being cost-effective and straightforward to produce. The primary challenge with this approach lies in securing the charger PCB within the casing without necessitating additional machining or post-extrusion modifications.
Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are a critical part of vehicle electronics such as engine control units, infotainment systems, and power distribution units. These printed circuit boards (PCBs) are housed within enclosures, traditionally made from plastic or metal, to protect the electronics from external stress, thermal damage, and electrical interference. However, traditional enclosures often increase manufacturing complexity and costs due to additional steps needed to mount and secure the printed circuit board (PCB), particularly in vehicles where weight, space, and cost considerations are paramount.
Traditional methods involve screw-bolting the printed circuit board (PCB) into an aluminum or plastic enclosure, a process that requires additional machining and assembly time.
There is, therefore, felt a need to provide a printed circuit board (PCB) mounting system using plastic wedges in an extruded metallic enclosure, eliminating the need for screws and providing a cost-effective, tool-free assembly solution to alleviate the aforementioned disadvantages.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a printed circuit board (PCB) mounting system using plastic wedges in an extruded metallic enclosure.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a printed circuit board (PCB) mounting system that eliminates the need for screws or bolts for assembly.
Another object of the present disclosure is to develop a system that simplifies printed circuit board (PCB) enclosure design, reducing both manufacturing costs and production time.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to ensure stable retention of the PCB in environments subject to vibration or impact by providing a printed circuit board (PCB) mounting system using plastic wedges in an extruded metallic enclosure.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a printed circuit board (PCB) mounting system using plastic wedges in an extruded metallic enclosure, that enables easy maintenance and assembly of electronic systems.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to a system for mounting a printed circuit board (PCB) within an extruded metallic enclosure. The concepts are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a mounting system that securely holds a PCB within an extruded metallic enclosure using internal slots and plastic wedges. The system is designed to provide guided support, vibration resistance, and ease of assembly.
In an embodiment, the extruded metallic enclosure includes a pair of internal slots that extend along its length, allowing a PCB to be inserted by sliding it through an open end. A pair of through slots, positioned perpendicularly to the internal slots, enables the insertion of plastic wedges from the exterior surface of the enclosure. The plastic wedges apply a compression force against the PCB, preventing movement along the longitudinal axis.
In an embodiment, the plastic wedges feature a tapered engagement surface that enhances the securing force against the PCB. Additionally, they may include a protruding locking edge to prevent accidental displacement and are composed of a high-friction polymer material to ensure a firm grip without causing mechanical damage.
In an embodiment, the internal slots are integrally formed during the extrusion process of the metallic enclosure, eliminating the need for post-machining operations. The enclosure may also include multiple parallel pairs of internal slots to accommodate multiple PCBs and may be equipped with cooling fins to improve thermal dissipation.
In an embodiment, the plastic wedges are manually insertable and removable, allowing for tool-free disassembly and maintenance. The internal slots are dimensioned to provide a snug fit, ensuring vibration resistance, and making the system suitable for applications requiring mechanical stability, such as in automotive environments.
The present disclosure also envisages a method for mounting a printed circuit board (PCB) in an extruded metallic enclosure. The method includes steps such as:
? providing an extruded metallic enclosure having an interior cavity and at least one internal slot extending along the longitudinal axis within the sidewall of the interior cavity;
? inserting a printed circuit board into the internal slot through an open end of the extruded metallic enclosure by sliding it longitudinally until it reaches a predefined mounting position;
? inserting a plastic wedge into a through slot extending perpendicularly from the exterior surface of the extruded metallic enclosure to the internal slot; and
? pressing the plastic wedge into the through slot until it engages the printed circuit board, thereby applying a securing force that prevents displacement of the printed circuit board within the internal slot.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
A printed circuit board (PCB) mounting system using plastic wedges in an extruded metallic enclosure, of the present disclosure will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates an extruded metallic enclosure with slots for mounting the printed circuit board (PCB), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2 illustrates a printed circuit board (PCB) positioned within an extruded metallic enclosure before the insertion of the plastic wedge, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 3 illustrates a plastic wedge for wedging the printed circuit board (PCB) into the slots of the extruded metallic enclosure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 4 illustrates the printed circuit board (PCB) after the insertion of the plastic wedge inside the slots of the extruded metallic enclosure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Figure 5 illustrates an exemplary method for mounting a printed circuit board (PCB) in an extruded metallic enclosure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS USED IN THE DESCRIPTION AND DRAWING:
100 Extruded Metallic Enclosure
200 Method
202-208 Method Steps
10 Printed Circuit Board (PCB)
110 Slot
120 Plastic Wedge
120a Through Slot
130 Cooling Fins
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.
The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms “a”, “an” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “including” and “having” are open-ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
When an element is referred to as being “mounted on”, “engaged to”, “connected to” or “coupled to” another element, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, or coupled to the other element. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements.
A printed circuit board (PCB) mounting system using plastic wedges in an extruded metallic enclosure of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to Figure 1 through Figure 4, and method 200 for mounting a printed circuit board (PCB) in an extruded metallic enclosure will be described with reference to Figure 5. The preferred embodiment does not limit the scope and ambit of the present disclosure.
The present disclosure proposes a printed circuit board (PCB) mounting system wherein the printed circuit board (PCB) is inserted into slots formed during the extrusion of a metallic enclosure. Once the printed circuit board (PCB) is inserted, plastic wedges are used to secure the PCB firmly in place. This eliminates the need for screws or other fasteners, thereby streamlining assembly and reducing the costs associated with additional machining. This mounting method also offers ease of maintenance, improved stability during operation, and effective thermal management, making it particularly suited for use in electronic devices where space and cost are significant considerations.
Figure 1 illustrates an extruded metallic enclosure (100) for mounting the printed circuit board (PCB), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The printed circuit board (PCB) (10) mounting system comprises the extruded metallic enclosure (100) having a pair of internal slots (110), each formed as an elongated groove within the sidewall of the interior cavity, extending continuously from one open end to another. The slots (110) are configured to receive said printed circuit board (PCB) (10) by sliding it into place from one end of the enclosure (100). The extruded metallic enclosure (100) includes multiple parallel pairs of internal slots (110) to accommodate a plurality of printed circuit boards (10) within a single enclosure.
In an aspect, the extruded metallic enclosure (100) provides thermal dissipation for the printed circuit board (PCB) (10) during operation. Further, cooling fins (130) extend from the surface of the extruded metallic enclosure (100) for effective cooling.
In an embodiment, the extruded metallic enclosure (100) is an aluminium enclosure created through an aluminum extrusion process. This process allows the formation of internal slots (110) or channels within the extruded metallic enclosure (100), specifically designed to accommodate the printed circuit board (PCB) (10). The internal slots (110) are integrally formed during the extrusion process of the metallic enclosure (100) to eliminate post-machining operations.
The slots (110) are positioned to enable the printed circuit board (PCB) (10) to be inserted from one end of the extruded metallic enclosure (100), sliding into the correct position without the need for machining or additional modifications. The internal slots (110) are dimensioned to provide a snug fit for the printed circuit board (PCB) (10), ensuring vibration resistance during mechanical stress conditions such as in automotive applications.
Figure 2, illustrates the printed circuit board (PCB) (10) positioned within the extruded metallic enclosure (100) before the insertion of a plastic wedge (120), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 3 illustrates a plastic wedge (120) for wedging the printed circuit board (PCB) (10) into the slots (110) of the extruded metallic enclosure (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, a pair of through slots (120a), each formed in the extruded metallic enclosure (100), extend perpendicular to the corresponding internal slot (110) and intersect the sidewall of the interior cavity along the length of the extruded metallic enclosure (100). The through slots (120a) allow the plastic wedges (120) to be inserted from the exterior surface of the enclosure (100) and apply compression force against the PCB (10). The through slot (120a) is a rectangular or elongated opening extending from the exterior surface of the extruded metallic enclosure (100) into the sidewall of the interior cavity.
The plastic wedges (120) are configured to allow tool-free assembly of the printed circuit board (PCB) (10) into the extruded metallic enclosure (100). In an embodiment, the plastic wedge (120) is manually insertable and removable, enabling tool-free disassembly and maintenance of the printed circuit board (10). The plastic wedge (120) can be any securing mechanism, for example, such as clips or locking elements to provide the fixation of the two parts.
Figure 4 illustrates the printed circuit board (PCB) (10) after the insertion of the plastic wedge (120) inside the slots (110) of the extruded metallic enclosure (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Each plastic wedge (120) has a tapered engagement surface that, upon insertion, wedges against the printed circuit board (10) within the internal slots (110), thereby preventing movement of the printed circuit board (10) along the longitudinal axis of the extruded metallic enclosure (100). At least one plastic wedge (120) is inserted into at least one slot (110) to secure the printed circuit board (PCB) (10), without the need for fasteners such as screws. The plastic wedges (120) prevent movement or vibration of the printed circuit board (PCB) (10) within the extruded metallic enclosure (100) during operation.
In an embodiment, the internal slots (110) and the through slots (120a) intersect at an acute angle, ensuring that the plastic wedge (120) applies a securing force that is both lateral and downward on the printed circuit board (10). In an embodiment, the plastic wedges (120) are composed of a high-friction polymer material to ensure a firm grip on the printed circuit board (10) without causing mechanical damage.
In an embodiment, once the printed circuit board (PCB) (10) is positioned in the extruded metallic enclosure (100), plastic wedges (120) are inserted into the slots (110) above the printed circuit board (PCB) (10). These wedges (120) apply sufficient force to secure the printed circuit board (PCB) (10) firmly in place, preventing any unwanted movement or vibration.
In an embodiment, the plastic wedges (120) provide retention without the need for screws or other fastening elements. This simplifies the assembly process, reducing production time and cost.
In an embodiment, the plastic wedges (120) ensure that the printed circuit board (PCB) (10) remains securely fixed within the enclosure, even in environments with high vibration or impact potential, such as vehicle electronics. This securing mechanism minimizes the risk of damage to the printed circuit board (PCB) (10) during operation, including electrical shorting, physical damage to components, or board dislodgement.
In an embodiment, each of the plastic wedges (120) includes a protruding locking edge that fits into the through slot (120a), securing it against accidental displacement.
In an embodiment, by eliminating the need for screws or bolts, the disclosure reduces assembly time and allows for quicker installation of printed circuit boards (PCBs) (10). The wedged-in design allows for easy removal and reinstallation of the printed circuit board (PCB) (10), simplifying repair and maintenance processes. The extruded metallic enclosure (100) can be produced without additional machining, cutting down on both production costs and time. The wedged-in design allows for easy removal and reinstallation of the printed circuit board (PCB) (10), simplifying repair and maintenance processes. The use of aluminum extrusion provides superior thermal dissipation, a critical factor in high-performance electronics.
In an embodiment, the system is ideal for use in various electronic devices where rapid and secure assembly of printed circuit boards (PCBs) (10) is required, particularly in automotive applications like chargers, control units, and other vehicle-mounted electronics.
Figure 5 illustrates an exemplary method (200) for mounting a printed circuit board (PCB) (10) in an extruded metallic enclosure (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The present disclosure describes the method (200) for securely mounting a printed circuit board (PCB) (10) within an extruded metallic enclosure (100) using internal slots (110) and plastic wedges (120). This method eliminates the need for additional fasteners, ensuring ease of assembly, vibration resistance, and mechanical stability. The method (200) comprises the following steps:
? Providing the Extruded Metallic Enclosure (202): An extruded metallic enclosure (100) is provided, featuring an interior cavity and at least one internal slot (110) formed along the longitudinal axis within the sidewall of the interior cavity. The internal slot (110) is configured to support and guide the PCB (10) during insertion.
? Inserting the Printed Circuit Board (204): The PCB (10) is inserted through an open end of the extruded metallic enclosure (100) by sliding it along the internal slot (110) until it reaches a predefined mounting position. The snug fit of the internal slot (110) ensures stability and alignment of the PCB (10).
? Inserting the Plastic Wedge (206): A plastic wedge (120) is introduced into a through slot (120a) that extends perpendicularly from the exterior surface of the extruded metallic enclosure (100) into the internal slot (110). The through slot (120a) provides access for securing the PCB (10) without requiring additional hardware.
? Securing the Printed Circuit Board (208): The plastic wedge (120) is pressed into the through slot (120a) until it engages the PCB (10). The plastic wedge (120) applies a securing force that prevents displacement of the PCB (10) within the internal slot (110). The wedge’s tapered engagement surface enhances the locking mechanism, ensuring firm retention while allowing tool-free insertion and removal for easy maintenance.
In an embodiment, the method (200) allows for quick and reliable assembly of PCBs (10) within an extruded metallic enclosure (100), making it particularly suitable for electronic applications where mechanical stability, vibration resistance, and thermal management are critical, such as in automotive electronics and industrial enclosures.
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS
The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of a printed circuit board (PCB) mounting system using plastic wedges in an extruded metallic enclosure, that:
• allows for easy and quick installation of the printed circuit board (PCB) without the need for tools, streamlining the assembly process;
• ensures stability and minimizes movement, reducing the risk of damage from vibrations; and
• allows for quick removal and replacement of the printed circuit board (PCB), simplifying maintenance and repair processes.
The foregoing disclosure has been described with reference to the accompanying embodiments which do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveals the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles, or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation. ,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:
1. A system for mounting a printed circuit board (PCB) (10), the system comprising:
an extruded metallic enclosure (100) having an interior cavity with a top surface, a bottom surface, and two sidewalls;
a pair of internal slots (110), each formed as an elongated groove within the sidewall of the interior cavity and extends continuously from one open end of the extruded metallic enclosure (100) to another open end;
a printed circuit board (PCB) (10) configured to be inserted into the internal slots (110) by sliding a longitudinal axis of the extruded metallic enclosure (100) through the open end, wherein the internal slots (110) provide guided support to the printed circuit board;
a pair of through slots (120a), each formed in the extruded metallic enclosure (100), extending perpendicular to the corresponding internal slot (110) and intersecting the sidewall of the interior cavity along the length of the extruded metallic enclosure (100); and
a pair plastic wedges (120), each configured to be inserted through the corresponding through slot (120a) from an exterior surface of the extruded metallic enclosure (100), wherein upon insertion in the through holes (120a), the plastic wedges (120) apply a compression force against the printed circuit board (10) positioned in the internal slots (110).
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the plastic wedges (120) has a tapered engagement surface that, upon insertion, wedges against the printed circuit board (10) within the internal slots (110), thereby preventing movement of the printed circuit board (10) along the longitudinal axis of the extruded metallic enclosure (100).
3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the internal slots (110) are integrally formed during the extrusion process of the metallic enclosure (100) to eliminate post-machining operations.
4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the through slot (120a) is a rectangular or elongated opening extending from the exterior surface of the extruded metallic enclosure (100) into the sidewall of the interior cavity
5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the internal slots (110) and the through slots (120a) intersect at an acute angle, so as to ensure that the plastic wedge (120) applies a securing force that is both lateral and downward on the printed circuit board (10).
6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the plastic wedges (120) includes a protruding locking edge that fits into the through slot (120a), securing it against accidental displacement.
7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plastic wedge (120) is composed of a high-friction polymer material to ensure a firm grip on the printed circuit board (10) without causing mechanical damage.
8. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the extruded metallic enclosure (100) includes multiple parallel pairs of internal slots (110) to accommodate a plurality of printed circuit boards (10) within a single enclosure.
9. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the extruded metallic enclosure (100) comprises cooling fins (130) extending from its exterior surface to improve thermal dissipation during operation.
10. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plastic wedge (120) is manually insertable and removable, for enabling tool-free disassembly and maintenance of the printed circuit board (10).
11. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the internal slots (110) are dimensioned to provide a snug fit for the printed circuit board (10), ensuring vibration resistance during mechanical stress conditions such as in automotive applications.
12. A method (200) for mounting a printed circuit board (PCB) (10) in an extruded metallic enclosure (100), the method comprising:
providing (202) an extruded metallic enclosure (100) having an interior cavity and at least one internal slot (110) extending along the longitudinal axis within the sidewall of the interior cavity;
inserting (204) a printed circuit board (10) into the internal slot (110) through an open end of the extruded metallic enclosure (100) by sliding it longitudinally until it reaches a predefined mounting position;
inserting (206) a plastic wedge (120) into a through slot (120a) extending perpendicularly from the exterior surface of the extruded metallic enclosure (100) to the internal slot (110); and
pressing (208) the plastic wedge (120) into the through slot (120a) until it engages the printed circuit board (10), thereby applying a securing force that prevents displacement of the printed circuit board (10) within the internal slot (110).
Dated this 15th Day of March 2025

_______________________________
MOHAN RAJKUMAR DEWAN, IN/PA – 25
OF R. K. DEWAN & CO.
AUTHORIZED AGENT OF APPLICANT