WO2012008971A1 - Appareil pour fixer mécaniquement deux structures et éventuellement réaliser des connexions électriques entre des dispositifs électroniques - Google Patents

Appareil pour fixer mécaniquement deux structures et éventuellement réaliser des connexions électriques entre des dispositifs électroniques Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2012008971A1
WO2012008971A1 PCT/US2010/042301 US2010042301W WO2012008971A1 WO 2012008971 A1 WO2012008971 A1 WO 2012008971A1 US 2010042301 W US2010042301 W US 2010042301W WO 2012008971 A1 WO2012008971 A1 WO 2012008971A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
outer ring
base unit
unit
threads
connecting piece
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2010/042301
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Kent Kernahan
Christopher Caldwell
Mika Nuotio
Original Assignee
Array Converter, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Array Converter, Inc. filed Critical Array Converter, Inc.
Priority to PCT/US2010/042301 priority Critical patent/WO2012008971A1/fr
Publication of WO2012008971A1 publication Critical patent/WO2012008971A1/fr

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
    • H05K5/00—Casings, cabinets or drawers for electric apparatus
    • H05K5/02—Details
    • H05K5/0247—Electrical details of casings, e.g. terminals, passages for cables or wiring

Definitions

  • the present invention provides an improvement in the force trying to pull apart two structures secured by a nut and a bolt by providing two sets of engaged threads rather than one.
  • An outer member functioning in a manner similar to a nut, includes a set of threads on the inner surface of an outer ring plus a center member with identical threads about its outer surface.
  • the outer ring and center member are connected by material spanning the two, thus an inserted (screwed in) member corresponding to the function of a bolt screws into the outer member but cannot go beyond the connecting material.
  • the inserted member has threads on its outer surface and in a center hole, all threads corresponding to the threads of the outer member.
  • two sets of threads resist pulling the two apart, providing superior holding power, as well as allowing for additional torque compared to a conventional nut and bolt.
  • the present invention provides for an electromechanical system somewhat similar to the fashion in which an electric light bulb is connected to its base, power, and on/off switch.
  • a base unit is connected securely to the structure of a first electronic device and electrical connections brought into the base unit.
  • the base unit includes one or more threaded surfaces, wherein the threaded surfaces are conductive or include an area that is conductive.
  • a second electronic device to be connected to the first electronic device is manufactured inside a replaceable unit that has threads matching those of the base unit.
  • the threads of the replaceable unit are also conductive, or include an area that is conductive.
  • the second electronic device is electrically connected to the threads.
  • the replaceable unit is screwed into the base unit, whereby the second electronic device makes electrical contact with the base unit (thereby to the first electronic device).
  • the base unit and the replaceable unit are manufactured such that when the two are screwed together a tight seal is formed. Should the electronics in the replaceable unit fail, the replaceable unit may be unscrewed and a new unit screwed in. If the first electronic device should fail, the replaceable unit can be removed and used on a different unit.
  • the first electronic device can be any electronic or electrical device, for example a solar panel.
  • FIG. 1 is a top view and a cross section of a base unit according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a top view and a cross section of a replaceable unit according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates how a base unit and a replaceable unit would be assembled together.
  • FIG. 4 shows one example of how electrical connections are made between a controlled product and a base unit.
  • FIG. 5 is an alternative method for electrically connecting a base unit and a controlled product.
  • FIG. 6 shows one example of how a printed circuit board, comprising the
  • electronics may be manufactured inside of a replaceable unit.
  • FIG. 7 shows an example of an alternative embodiment including a lip and a seal.
  • FIG. 8 is an example of a non-electrical use of the present invention.
  • FIG. 9 is an alternative embodiment of the apparatus of FIG. 8.
  • a base unit 100 is shown both looking down upon it (that is, looking into the opening end) and in cross section.
  • the base unit comprises a round outer shell 110.
  • a center piece 112 is molded as part of the outer shell 110.
  • the top edge of the outer shell is thick enough to be sturdy such that when the replaceable part (discussed later) is screwed into the outer shell 110 the shell 110 can withstand the side pressure.
  • a center piece 112 is produced separately from the outer shell 110, then attached to the outer shell 110 by adhesive, a center pin into the floor of the outer shell, or is threaded into a matching threaded hole in the outer shell 110 (not shown). In some embodiments there is no center piece 112.
  • threads 104 Around at least part of the inside perimeter of the outer shell 110 are threads 104.
  • the threads 104 may be formed during molding of the outer shell 110 and conductive inserts later placed in the threads 104.
  • the outer shell inside perimeter is smooth, and the threads 104 are a separate, threaded metal piece that fits into the outer shell 110.
  • the a center piece 112 includes threads 106, wherein the threads 1106 maybe be molded into the center piece material 112 and conductive material added, or the center piece is smooth and the threads 106 are a threaded cylindrical metal piece that slides down over the smooth center piece 112.
  • Other methods will be known to one familiar with the art, wherein a threaded outer and inner (112) part may be constructed such that at least some portion of the threads are electrically conductive.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a replaceable unit 200 according to the present invention.
  • the replaceable unit 200 is designed and fabricated such that it can screw into the base unit 100.
  • the height of the base unit 100 and the replaceable unit 200 are such that the replaceable unit 200 can hold and completely encapsulate an electronic device (not shown in FIG. 2).
  • the replaceable unit 200 comprises a body 204, with threads 202 on the outside rim of the body 204.
  • the replaceable unit 200 includes a hole with threads 208, wherein the treads 208 match the threads 106 of the base unit 100.
  • the replaceable unit 200 includes a molded nut shape 210 on the surface, providing means for the replaceable unit 200 to be tightened upon installation, or to be removed, using a common wrench.
  • the top surface of the replaceable unit 200 has two or more holes molded into it (but not through to the cavity 206) such that a forked tool (not shown) may engage the holes to provide extra torque when installing or removing a replaceable unit 200.
  • the threads 104/202 or 106/208 of the base 100 and the replaceable unit 200 are somewhat tapered, similar to pipe threads, wherein the threads will bind and tighten down when the replaceable unit 200 is screwed into the base unit 100 a desired amount.
  • the threads 104/202 or 106/208 are like machine threads, having the same diameter along the center axis of the body 100 and replaceable unit 200.
  • One skilled in the art will know of other means for forming threads on the two units 100,200 such that they may later be taken apart nondestructively, while providing a tight fit in service.
  • the threads 104/106 comprise a plurality of thread sets and the appropriate thread set selected when screwing the replaceable unit 200 into the base unit 100 to provide the desired final orientation.
  • the replaceable unit 200 has a lip 702 on the top part (see FIG. 7) with a flexible seal 704, such as an O-ring, that is compressed down against the top surface 114 of the base 100 when the base 100 and replaceable unit 200 are tightened against each other.
  • a flexible seal 704 such as an O-ring
  • FIG. 4 is an example of one method for electrically connecting the structure of the first electronic device 406 with the conductive threads 104 and 106 of the base 100.
  • the structure 406 is considered to also be electrically connected to the first electronic device.
  • the structure 406 could be the back side of a solar panel, with electrical leads manufactured into the solar panel on its back side for connection to control electronics in the replaceable unit 200.
  • a lead 402 is brought in through an access hole 116 in the base 100 and brought up to the inside surface of the threads 104.
  • another lead 404 is brought up from the structure 406 and routed to the threads 106 on the outside surface of the center piece 112.
  • the leads 402 or 404 are premade in conjunction with the threads 106 and / or 106 by spot welding or otherwise connecting to the conductive threads.
  • the leads are connected to the controlled product and during attachment of the base 100 to the controlled product 406 the leads 402, 404 are brought up through the access hold 116 and connected to the threads 104, 106 by solder, spot welding, or connectors.
  • the base 100 is preinstalled on the structure of the first electronic device.
  • the replaceable until 200 may be attached at the same time as when the base unit 100 is attached to the controlled product, or the assembly comprising the first electronic device structure and base unit 100 may be shipped or set aside and the replaceable unit 200 added at another time.
  • FIG. 5 shows an alternative embodiment wherein the base 508, corresponding to the base 100, does not have a center piece 112.
  • the base 508 is attached to the structure of the first electronic device 506.
  • the base unit 100 is affixed to the structure of the first electronic device by a strong, waterproof adhesive, such as RTV rubber or epoxy, between the base 100 and the structure.
  • a strong, waterproof adhesive such as RTV rubber or epoxy
  • the base unit has bosses (not shown) for a nut and bolt attachment between the base unit 100 and the structure.
  • screws go through the floor of the base unit 100 into the body of the structure.
  • a PCB 604 comprising the second electronic device is within the replaceable unit 200.
  • a bottom plate 602 is attached to the replaceable unit, the PCB 604 affixed to the bottom plate 602.
  • the PCB 604 is placed inside the cavity 206, connected appropriately, then potted with RTV or another potting media.
  • the PCB 604 and its electronics are molded into the replaceable unit 200 at the time of manufacture of the replaceable unit 200.
  • the electronics will have one or more electrical connections made between the PCB 604 and the threads 202, 208 by methods similar to those of the base unit 100 thread 104, 106 electrical connections.
  • the base 100 does not include a center piece 112, and provides a connection on the base unit 100 floor, exemplified in FIG. 5.
  • the replaceable unit 200 does not have a hole 212, and a connection is made between the PCB 604 and the bottom of the replaceable unit 200 (such as bottom plate 602), such that the PCB 604 lead connection makes contact with the base 100 lead 504 when the replaceable unit 200 is screwed into the base 508 (100).
  • IDCs are affixed to the replaceable unit 200.
  • the IDCs may be internal (in the cavity 206) or on the top surface 204.
  • the IDCs are electrically connected to the second electronic device, and provide for the leads from the first electronic device to be brought out from the base unit 100 and connected to the IDCs.
  • multiple sets of IDCs are provided, with some electrically connected to different points of the second electrical device, thus providing for a selection of functions depending upon which IDCs are used.
  • FIG. 8 a non-electrical embodiment is shown. Only the base is shown; the matching unit has corresponding threaded structures. Due to the extra set of threads 804 compared to a conventional nut and bolt, the mechanical
  • connection of the present invention provides additional resistance to pulling apart and/or greater torque capability.
  • the number of sets of threads so engaged may be an arbitrary number.
  • FIG. 9 illustrates three sets of threads 902, 904, 906, providing greater strength that that of FIG. 8 or a conventional nut and bolt for a given common material and physical size.
  • the electrically connecting versions of the invention such as described in FIG. 1 through FIG. 7, may also have more than two treaded, mating, electrically connecting surfaces similar to the configuration of FIG. 9.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
  • Casings For Electric Apparatus (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne une unité de base qui est mécaniquement connectée à la structure d'un premier dispositif électronique. L'unité de base est ronde et comprend des fils conducteurs autour de la surface intérieure d'un anneau extérieur. L'unité de base peut également comprendre un montant fileté central qui comporte des fils conducteurs. Le premier dispositif électronique est connecté électriquement à l'unité de base. Une unité remplaçable est dimensionnée de sorte qu'elle puisse se visser dans l'unité de base, l'unité remplaçable comprenant des fils assortis qui entrent en prise avec les fils de l'unité de base. Les fils de l'unité remplaçable sont également électriquement conducteurs et sont connectés électriquement à un second dispositif électronique qui est encapsulé l'intérieur de l'unité remplaçable. Lorsque les deux pièces sont vissées ensemble, les deux dispositifs électroniques sont ainsi connectés électriquement. Le premier dispositif électronique peut être un panneau solaire. Une autre version de l'invention ne comprend aucune connexion électrique.
PCT/US2010/042301 2010-07-16 2010-07-16 Appareil pour fixer mécaniquement deux structures et éventuellement réaliser des connexions électriques entre des dispositifs électroniques WO2012008971A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2010/042301 WO2012008971A1 (fr) 2010-07-16 2010-07-16 Appareil pour fixer mécaniquement deux structures et éventuellement réaliser des connexions électriques entre des dispositifs électroniques

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2010/042301 WO2012008971A1 (fr) 2010-07-16 2010-07-16 Appareil pour fixer mécaniquement deux structures et éventuellement réaliser des connexions électriques entre des dispositifs électroniques

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2012008971A1 true WO2012008971A1 (fr) 2012-01-19

Family

ID=45469738

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2010/042301 WO2012008971A1 (fr) 2010-07-16 2010-07-16 Appareil pour fixer mécaniquement deux structures et éventuellement réaliser des connexions électriques entre des dispositifs électroniques

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2012008971A1 (fr)

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1201131A (en) * 1968-06-12 1970-08-05 Sahkovaruste Oy Elektro Armatu Fuse base
US6023247A (en) * 1997-02-19 2000-02-08 Winegard Company Satellite dish antenna stabilizer platform
US6297969B1 (en) * 1999-08-10 2001-10-02 Lucent Technologies Inc. Electromagnetic interference shielding enclosure
US20080295330A1 (en) * 2007-05-29 2008-12-04 Channell Commercial Corporation Method and process for manufacturing a terminal block

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1201131A (en) * 1968-06-12 1970-08-05 Sahkovaruste Oy Elektro Armatu Fuse base
US6023247A (en) * 1997-02-19 2000-02-08 Winegard Company Satellite dish antenna stabilizer platform
US6297969B1 (en) * 1999-08-10 2001-10-02 Lucent Technologies Inc. Electromagnetic interference shielding enclosure
US20080295330A1 (en) * 2007-05-29 2008-12-04 Channell Commercial Corporation Method and process for manufacturing a terminal block

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