Connector With Elastic Nails For Flexible Print Substrate Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors for flexible print substrates lack the ability to precisely confirm the positioning of the substrate, leading to potential errors and inconvenience during connection.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a base with insertion holes, T-shaped operation pieces, an operation lever, and elastically deformable nails with inspection holes, allowing for visual confirmation of nail engagement with the substrate, ensuring precise positioning and temporary holding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the connector uses an inner beam portion locked on a locking recess from an upper side to temporarily hold the flexible print substrate, then the substrate can be temporarily held, but it is not possible to confirm whether or not the distal end of the substrate is precisely placed at a predetermined position from the outside
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces elastic nails as intermediary elements that extend laterally from the base to engage with cutouts on the flexible print substrate. These nails serve as visible indicators of proper positioning, allowing external confirmation of substrate placement without adding complex internal mechanisms. The nails act as a mediator between the internal positioning mechanism and external observation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the visual appearance (analogous to color changes) of the elastic nails to indicate positioning status. When the nails are engaged with the substrate cutouts, their lateral extension provides a visible signal that confirms precise positioning. This visual feedback mechanism allows operators to easily verify substrate placement without complex measurement tools.
2Reliability
If the connector structure is simplified without positioning confirmation features, then manufacturing costs are reduced, but positioning accuracy and connection reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic nails perform dual functions: they mechanically engage with the substrate cutouts to ensure proper positioning while simultaneously serving as visible indicators of correct placement. This self-indicating feature eliminates the need for separate confirmation mechanisms, maintaining high connection reliability while keeping the manufacturing process simple and cost-effective.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the elastic nails from a retracted position to a laterally extended position when engaged with the substrate. This parameter change (position extension) provides visual feedback confirming reliable connection, ensuring connection reliability through a simple structural modification that does not complicate manufacturing.
3Manufacturing precision
If elastic nails are used to engage with cutouts for temporary holding, then positioning precision is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the positioning function into separate modular elements: the base structure provides the framework, while multiple elastic nails provide individual engagement points with the substrate cutouts. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies manufacturing, as the elastic nails can be added as a separate feature without redesigning the entire base 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 solution enables precise and reliable positioning of the flexible print substrate, enhancing workability and reliability while maintaining high durability and reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of elastic nails to be elastically engaged from sides with cutouts provided in both side edges of the distal end of the flexible print substrate
Implementation Method 2
an operation lever supported on the rear surface side of the base turnably on a turning support point on an upper surface side of the connection terminals
Implementation Method 3
the operation lever having cam portions capable of operating operation receiving portions placed at second ends of the operation pieces
Implementation Method 4
pressure-welding the movable contacts of the connection terminals to the connection portions of the flexible print substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A connector has a base having an opening formed on a front surface side into which a distal end of a flexible print substrate is insertable, and a plurality of insertion holes arranged side by side at a predetermined pitch passing through from the front surface side to a rear surface side, connection terminals respectively including substantially T shape operation pieces respectively having movable contacts formed at first ends in a protruding manner to be pressure-welded to connection portions arranged side by side in the distal end of the flexible print substrate, the connection terminals being adapted to be inserted into the insertion holes, and an operation lever supported on the rear surface side of the base turnably on a turning support point on an upper surface side of the connection terminals.