Circuit Board Ejector Mechanism

The goal of this project is to improve ergonomics for installation and removal of circuit boards in Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) products.

=Problem Definition=

Background
SEL designs, manufactures, and supports products and services ranging from generator and transmission protection to distribution automation and control systems. In most of their products, circuit boards are connected by spring clips at the back of the case. These clips cause a large frictional force on the board, making it difficult to install and remove the boards. With the current clips the force required to remove and insert a board is around 40lbs (total).

Deliverables
The scope of this project is to design a mechanism or system that reduces the necessary force to install and remove circuit boards from SEL products.

Specifically:
 * Research on existing mechanisms
 * Any ejection system (not restrictive to tray ejectors)
 * Decision Matrix
 * Material selection and cost analysis
 * Functional concepts, made using a variety of materials and methods
 * Longevity analysis for chosen production material
 * Fatigue testing
 * Working prototype using production material
 * Design validation testing results with various materials
 * Insertion force
 * Insertion cycles
 * Thermal and Vibration
 * Production implementation plan - proposed tooling method and supporting business case
 * 3D prototype if feasible
 * Mold and factor for plastic parts
 * Final report containing full information listed above with detailed design info, analysis and test results

Value Proposition
Project Value Proposition

Specifications
=Project Learning=
 * Must pass SEL vibration testing
 * Must reduce user force to <5 lbs
 * Must be contained inside the chassis
 * Must not contact the circuit board

Refined Designs
=Final Design=

=Validation=

Design Validation Plan

=Team Members=

=Additional Documentation=

Project Schedule

Gantt Chart

Meeting Minutes

Meeting Minutes Presentations

Informal Design Review Formal Design Review

Client Interview