Apparatus for tool-less removal of PCB assembly
View Patent ↗Apparatus for removing a printed circuit board (PCB) and bezel assembly from a unit includes a pull spring is attached to opposing sides of the PCB and bezel assembly. Each pull spring includes a generally M-shaped spring. A first end of the M-shaped spring includes a first pin carrying a knob. The first pin extends through an opening in the bezel and the knob is disposed within a recessed portion of the bezel and is generally flush with a front face of the bezel with the M-shaped spring compressed in a normal constrained position. In an extended position when the M-shaped springs return to a substantially uncompressed state, the knobs are pushed forward and are spaced apart in front of the bezel, enabling a person to grip and pull each knob to remove the PCB and bezel assembly from the unit in which it is installed.
1. An apparatus for removing a printed circuit board (PCB) and bezel assembly from a unit comprising:
a pair of pull springs; said pull springs being attached to opposing sides of the PCB and bezel assembly;
each said pull spring including a generally M-shaped spring;
said M-shaped spring including a first end with a first pin extending through the bezel and carrying a knob in front of the bezel; and a second end of the M-shaped spring being attached with the PCB and bezel assembly;
in a constrained position, said first pin extending through an opening in the bezel and said knob being disposed within the bezel recessed portion and said M-shaped spring compressed;
in an extended position, said M-shaped springs returning to a substantially uncompressed state, said knobs being pushed forward, spaced apart in front of the bezel, enabling a user access to each knob to remove the PCB and bezel assembly.
2. The apparatus for removing a printed circuit board (PCB) and bezel assembly from a unit as recited in claim 1 wherein said knob extends generally flush with a front face of the bezel with the M-shaped spring compressed in the constrained position.
3. The apparatus for removing a printed circuit board (PCB) and bezel assembly from a unit as recited in claim 1 wherein said pull springs are provided in the constrained position when a cover is closed for holding the PCB and bezel assembly in the unit.
4. The apparatus for removing a printed circuit board (PCB) and bezel assembly from a unit as recited in claim 1 wherein said pull springs are provided in the extended position when a cover is the cover is removed, said M-shaped springs springing to the substantially uncompressed state pushing the knobs forward in the extended position.
5. The apparatus for removing a printed circuit board (PCB) and bezel assembly from a unit as recited in claim 1 wherein a first end portion of the M-shaped spring engages a stop surface of the bezel when the M-shaped springs are uncompressed in the extended position.
6. The apparatus for removing a printed circuit board (PCB) and bezel assembly from a unit assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said pull spring is formed of an electrically nonconductive material.
7. The apparatus for removing a printed circuit board (PCB) and bezel assembly from a unit as recited in claim 1 wherein said electrically nonconductive material includes material properties for retaining spring force of the M-shaped springs.
8. The apparatus for removing a printed circuit board (PCB) and bezel assembly from a unit as recited in claim 1 wherein said pull spring is formed of a plastic material.
9. The apparatus for removing a printed circuit board (PCB) and bezel assembly from a unit as recited in claim 1 wherein said plastic material retains spring action while being compressed for an extended period of time.
10. The apparatus for removing a printed circuit board (PCB) and bezel assembly from a unit as recited in claim 1 wherein said pull spring is formed of a Polypropylene material.
11. The apparatus for removing a printed circuit board (PCB) and bezel assembly from a unit as recited in claim 1 wherein said pull spring is formed of an unreinforced, flame-retarded, Polypropylene material.
12. The apparatus for removing a printed circuit board (PCB) and bezel assembly from a unit as recited in claim 1 wherein said pull spring is an integral unit.
13. The apparatus for removing a printed circuit board (PCB) and bezel assembly from a unit as recited in claim 1 wherein said pull spring is a unitary member.
14. The apparatus for removing a printed circuit board (PCB) and bezel assembly from a unit as recited in claim 1 wherein said pull spring is formed by injection molding.