Cable Mounting Clip Structure for Buckle-Free FFC/FPC Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting devices for flat flexible electrical cables (FFC) and flexible printed circuits (FPC) fail to properly contain and route these components, leading to buckling and conductor indexing issues, and are not suitable for automated installation.
Innovation Solution
A mounting device with a base, attachment, and cap portion, featuring branches and legs that secure and retain elongated articles, allowing for precise alignment and routing without folding, and accommodating various cable widths and orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If FFC or FPC is not properly contained at the attachment point, then installation is simpler, but the cable buckles and conductor indexing is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device is divided into distinct functional segments: a clamp portion with fingers for securing the cable, a body portion for structural support, and a routing portion with guide surfaces for cable routing. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function optimally while working together as an integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting device acts as an intermediary component between the cable and the vehicle body structure. It provides a controlled interface that contains the cable at the attachment point while facilitating proper routing through the routing portion, thereby preventing buckling and maintaining conductor indexing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If FFC or FPC is folded over to make turns or bends, then routing flexibility is improved, but conductor indexing is swapped and requires careful accounting
Solution Approach 1:
The routing portion provides three-dimensional routing paths with multiple surfaces and orientations. Cables can be routed in different dimensions and directions through the routing portion without requiring folds or bends that would swap conductor indexing, maintaining precision while achieving flexibility.
3Ease of operation
If current mounting devices are used for FFC and FPC, then installation is possible, but automated installation is not well suited
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp portion with its finger structure and the routing portion with guide surfaces are designed to automatically guide and secure the cable in the correct position during installation. This self-guiding mechanism facilitates automated installation by reducing the need for manual positioning and adjustment.
4Device complexity
If a single mounting device is used, then device complexity is reduced, but multi-directional attachment and routing capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device integrates multiple functions into a single component: the clamp portion secures the cable, the body portion provides structural support, and the routing portion enables multi-directional cable routing. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple separate devices while maintaining adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting device configured to attach an elongated article to a substrate includes a base portion and an attachment portion extending from the base portion. The attachment portion is configured to be received within an opening in the substrate and has a plurality of branches extending therefrom. The mounting device also includes a cap portion that is spaced apart from the base portion and defining an aperture in which the attachment portion is received. The plurality of branches engage the aperture and are configured to inhibit removal of the attachment portion from the aperture. The mounting device further includes a plurality of legs extending between the base portion and the cap portion that is configured to retain the elongated article between the base portion and the cap portion. A method of attaching an elongated article to a substrate using such a mounting device is also described.