Method for positioning components having critical positioning tolerances for attachment to a circuit board
US6442818B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 28, 2000 |
| Grant date | Sep 3, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 28, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/53961
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method to precisely position an electronic component within a cutout on a printed circuit board before attachment to said board. A nest precisely positions and firmly holds the component in place. Inner walls of the nest match the component's dimensions while the outer walls are stepped and match the cutout dimensions. In the preferred embodiment, the nest is mounted on a top plate above the circuit board. The operator places and centers the component in the nest, by means of the nest's shape or leaf springs which hold the component centered. Components are positioned by wiggling the nest until the stepped sides engage the PCB. In an alternative embodiment, the operator turns an eccentric cam applying force to a spring, pushing the component towards one edge of the nest for alignment. Both embodiments, hold the component so the operator can fasten the component to the board with both hands.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.