Conductive Tape Connector Securing with Metal Stiffeners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Board-to-board connectors in electronic devices are prone to becoming loose during drop events or other disturbances, leading to operational failures, and existing solutions like tape wrapping can be difficult to replace during repair operations.
Innovation Solution
The use of printed circuit connector securing structures featuring conductive fabric tape with metal stiffening members that can be easily removed for rework or repair, providing both mechanical stability and electromagnetic shielding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If board-to-board connectors are secured with tape to prevent loosening, then connector stability is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates because the tape is difficult to remove
Solution Approach 1:
The securing structure is divided into modular components: a first tape portion wrapped around the connector and a second tape portion securing the first tape. The metal stiffening members are also segmented and positioned at specific locations to provide structural support while enabling controlled removal. This segmentation allows the connector to remain securely fastened during operation while permitting systematic dismantling for repair purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
Metal stiffening members are introduced as intermediary elements between the tape and the connector. These stiffening members provide mechanical support to the tape while also serving as leverage points for controlled removal. The stiffening members act as a mediator that transfers the securing force during operation while enabling easy detachment during repair by providing grip points.
2Reliability
If tape is wrapped around connectors to prevent loosening during drop events, then connector reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional securing components
Solution Approach 1:
The tape structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical securing against loosening during drop events, maintains electromagnetic shielding around the connector, and incorporates metal stiffening members that provide both structural support and controlled removal points. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby managing complexity while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of flexible tape material allows the securing structure to conform to the connector geometry while maintaining securing force. The flexible nature of the tape enables it to wrap around the connector and maintain contact during vibrations and drop events, providing reliable securing without requiring rigid or complex mechanical fastening systems.
3Ease of repair
If metal stiffening members are added to facilitate tape removal, then ease of repair is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The metal stiffening members are pre-positioned on the tape before the tape is wrapped around the connector. This preliminary placement ensures that the stiffening members are correctly positioned to provide both structural support and controlled removal points. By performing this action in advance, the actual assembly process is simplified, as the stiffening members are already in their functional positions when the tape is applied to the connector.
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 solution effectively secures board-to-board connectors, preventing disconnection during use while allowing for easy removal and reconnection, enhancing the reliability and maintainability of electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
To hold the connectors together and to provide electromagnetic shielding, printed circuits and connectors may be surrounded by printed circuit connector securing structures
Implementation Method 2
The conductive tape may have a conductive adhesive that is disposed between the conductive tape and the board-to-board connectors
Data Source
AI summary
Printed circuit substrates may be formed from rigid printed circuit material or flexible sheets of polymer. Printed circuit substrates may have conductive traces. Integrated circuits, touch sensor electrode structure, sensors, and other components may be mounted to the conductive traces. Connectors such as board-to-board connectors may be used to couple printed circuit substrates together. To hold the connectors together and to provide electromagnetic shielding, printed circuits and connectors may be surrounded by printed circuit connector securing structures. The printed circuit connector securing structures may have one or more strips of conductive fabric tape wrapped around the connectors. Metal stiffening members may be attached to opposing ends of the strip of conductive tape to facilitate removal of the tape for rework or repair. An additional strip of tape may be used to help secure the wrapped conductive tape. The additional strip may have a tab to facilitate removal.