Cantilevered Bracket for Flexible Circuit Connector Stress Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible printed circuit connectors face stress due to misalignment, clearance issues in cradles, and user mishandling, leading to potential disconnection and improper functioning.
Innovation Solution
A specially adapted holder with a receptacle and flexible design that accommodates rotation and translation, featuring protrusions, mounting flanges, and cantilever straps to provide elastic support and reduce stress on connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the connector is fixed rigidly to the cradle, then the structural stability is improved, but the connector stress increases due to misalignment and user mishandling
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is designed with flexible elements including a first flexible portion connecting the first arm to the base, and a second flexible portion connecting the second arm to the base. These flexible portions allow the bracket to dynamically adapt to misalignment and external forces while maintaining structural stability, thereby reducing connector stress without sacrificing rigidity.
2Device complexity
If the bracket design is simplified, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to accommodate multiple degrees of motion is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is segmented into multiple functional portions: a base portion, a first arm with a first flexible portion, and a second arm with a second flexible portion. Each segment serves a specific function in accommodating different degrees of motion. This segmentation allows the complex motion accommodation capability to be achieved through modular, manageable components rather than a single complex structure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The holder effectively reduces connector stress by allowing multiple degrees of motion, preventing disconnection and damage, while maintaining a compact form factor.
Implementation Method 1
the adaptability of the board to conform to virtually any desired shape, and to be able to bend or flex even during its use
Implementation Method 2
A specially adapted holder with a receptacle and flexible design that accommodates rotation and translation, featuring protrusions, mounting flanges, and cantilever straps to provide elastic support and reduce stress on connectors
Data Source
AI summary
A holder is capable of providing flexible support for the connector of a flexible printed circuit board, and has particular applicability for battery recharging cradles for a mobile computing device or hand-held scanner. The holder comprises a receptacle having a rear wall and two side walls, along with protrusions to slidably retain the connector therein. The rear wall connects, using a radiused bend, to a connecting wall, which may form an acute angle relative to the rear wall, and which may neck down to improve rotational capability. The connecting wall transitions, using a radiused bend, to a transverse wall, and from its ends are two cantilever straps extending towards the receptacle, and thereby forming an acute angle relative to the connecting wall. An upward protruding boss on the end of each strap aids translational and rotational flexibility, where the holder is mounted to a surface using orifices in the bosses.