Bifurcated FPC Connector Structure for Correct Orientation Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional FPC connectors face challenges in reliably and precisely attaching flexible flat cables, especially with bifurcated tips, without causing damage and ensuring correct orientation.
Innovation Solution
The FPC connector features a housing with a column section that engages the separation section of the FPC, engagement protrusions that secure the FPC ends, and a recessed section with a slit to accommodate the FPC separation section, along with a viewing window for visual confirmation of engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the connector is made smaller and lower profile, then the compactness is improved, but the visibility for confirming correct attachment orientation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs visual indicators such as colored markings or contrasting colors on the connector housing and FPC to indicate correct orientation. This allows operators to quickly identify the correct attachment direction without requiring large connector dimensions, thus resolving the contradiction between compact size and visibility.
2Productivity
If the connector structure is simplified for quick attachment, then the attachment speed is improved, but the reliability of preventing incorrect attachment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates asymmetric features such as asymmetric guide walls, asymmetric engagement protrusions, or asymmetric markings that make it physically impossible or visually obvious to attach the FPC in the wrong orientation. This maintains simple attachment procedures while ensuring high reliability in preventing incorrect attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector includes pre-formed guide walls and engagement structures that automatically align the FPC during insertion before the final engagement occurs. This preliminary alignment action ensures correct orientation is established early in the attachment process, maintaining both speed and reliability.
3Strength
If the engagement structures are made more robust to prevent FPC damage, then the strength is improved, but the complexity of the connector structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector divides the engagement function into multiple separate elements: guide walls for alignment, engagement protrusions for securing, and recessed sections for positioning. Each element performs a specific protective function, providing robust FPC protection through simple, modular structures rather than complex integrated mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
An FPC connector that includes: a housing enabling attaching of a FPC with a bifurcated tip, wherein the housing includes: a column section that engages a separation section formed in the center of the FPC in the width direction, and engagement protrusions that enter into and engage with engaging openings formed at both ends of the FPC in the width direction; the engagement protrusions are formed protruding from the side of the FPC opposite the reinforcement plate toward the reinforcement plate side; and the housing further includes a recessed section formed in the center thereof in the width direction and a slit formed in the recessed section that an internal end part of the FPC separation section fits into.