Connector-Connecting Jig for Flexible Cable Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The manual process of connecting an ultra-compact connector on a short flexible cable within a small electronic device to a connector on a substrate is inefficient and prone to errors, requiring a more automated and reliable method to ensure accurate and secure connections.
Innovation Solution
A connector-connecting jig with a base, body fixing unit, and a rotatable connector supporting member that extends over the electronic device body with a space, allowing for precise positioning and support of the flexible cable's rear surface connector, and a pushing member to align and connect the first connector with the second connector on the substrate, enabling automated assembly while maintaining the integrity of the electronic device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual connection process is used, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but productivity is low and manufacturing precision is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The jig is divided into distinct functional modules: a base for positioning the electronic device body, a connector supporting member for holding the flexible cable, and a pushing member for applying connection force. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector supporting member acts as an intermediary between the pushing member and the flexible cable. It provides a stable support surface that distributes the pushing force evenly across the cable, enabling precise and controlled connection without direct contact between the pushing member and the cable.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual connection process is used, then device complexity is low, but manufacturing precision and reliability are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The connector supporting member features a specifically designed supporting surface with appropriate friction characteristics and geometry. This localized quality enhancement at the contact point ensures precise positioning of the flexible cable during connection, while the rest of the structure remains simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The base and connector supporting member are designed to pre-position the electronic device body and flexible cable in the correct orientations before the connection process begins. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the pushing member applies force, the connectors are already aligned for precise mating.
3Reliability
If automated connection process is implemented, then productivity and manufacturing precision are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base, connector supporting member, and pushing member are combined into a single integrated jig assembly. This merging of functions into one cohesive device achieves automated, reliable connections while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate machines or robotic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The jig design allows the flexible cable and electronic device body to self-align through the geometric constraints provided by the base and connector supporting member. The pushing member then simply needs to apply force in the correct direction, leveraging the self-alignment to achieve reliable connection without complex positioning mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector-connecting jig used to connect a first connector disposed at one end of a strip-shaped flexible cable, which has another end fixed to a bottom surface of a housing-shaped electronic device body, to a second connector on a substrate. The first connector is disposed on a surface of the flexible cable opposite to said bottom surface. The connector-connecting jig includes a base having a placement surface on which the electronic device body is placed; a body fixing unit that fixes the electronic device body onto the placement surface; and a connector supporting member that extends over the electronic device body and contacts a surface of the flexible cable on a rear surface side of the first connector when the flexible cable is lifted upward from said bottom surface of the electronic device body fixed onto the placement surface.