Annular Flexible Circuit Connector for Dense Contact Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional high-density electrical connectors face challenges in aligning multiple groupings of electrical contacts predictably and efficiently, leading to misalignment and unreliable connections, and are difficult to manufacture cost-effectively.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector design featuring a first and second connector element with annular flexible circuit boards and flexible electrical contacts, where the second connector element's movable portions are angled away from its leading end, allowing for selective connection and alignment, with fixed and movable portions, and includes a central pin interface, and includes a latch mechanism to ensure proper alignment and attachment, and includes a central engagement element for secure connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional planar rows of stacked electrical contact boards are used, then high-density electrical connection is achieved, but misalignment and unreliable connections occur between boards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional planar stacked contact boards to an annular (circular) arrangement of flexible circuit boards. This curved/annular configuration provides a predictable primary datum for alignment, eliminating the misalignment issues inherent in planar stacked designs while maintaining high contact density through the annular pattern of electrical contacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameter from planar to annular configuration. By transforming the arrangement from flat stacked boards to circular annular boards with a defined center axis, the system gains a predictable alignment reference that improves reliability while preserving the high-density connection capability.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple groupings of electrical contacts are aligned predictably, then reliable connections are achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple electrical contact groupings onto single annular flexible circuit boards arranged in concentric patterns. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and assembly steps compared to conventional stacked boards, simplifying manufacturing while achieving precise alignment through the annular geometry's inherent radial symmetry.
Solution Approach 2:
The annular configuration with a common center axis provides a natural alignment reference that simplifies the manufacturing process. All contact groups radiate from the same center, enabling predictable alignment without complex positioning mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining high precision.
3Quantity of substance
If conventional stacked contact boards are used, then high-density connection is achieved, but manufacturing cost and efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple electrical contact functions onto annular flexible circuit boards that can be manufactured as integrated units. This merging approach allows for more efficient production compared to assembling multiple separate stacked boards, maintaining high contact density while improving manufacturing throughput and reducing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of flexible circuit boards in an annular configuration enables more efficient manufacturing processes compared to rigid stacked boards. The flexible nature allows for easier handling, assembly, and integration, improving productivity while maintaining the high-density contact capability through the annular arrangement.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector includes a first connector element and a second connector element. The first connector element includes a first annular flexible circuit board and first electrical contacts coupled to the first annular flexible circuit board in at least one first annular pattern. The second connector element includes a leading end and second electrical contacts. Each one of the second electrical contacts is a flexible electrical contact that includes a fixed portion directly attached to the second annular flexible circuit board and a movable portion that is movable relative to the fixed portion. The movable portion is radially outwardly angled away from the leading end of the second connector element. Each one of the first electrical contacts of the first connector element is in physical contact with a corresponding one of the second electrical contacts of the second connector element.