Curved Printed Circuit Board for Flexible Accessory Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accessory devices coupled with electronic devices face issues with flexible printed circuit boards being open-circuited due to constant stress or strong external tension, leading to disconnection and operational failure.
Innovation Solution
A curved printed circuit board design is implemented within the accessory device, featuring multiple bends and parallel lines in the folding area to withstand stress and maintain connectivity despite external tension, allowing the device to remain operational even if some lines disconnect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a straight printed circuit board is used in the accessory device, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the circuit board is easily open-circuited due to constant stress or strong external tension during folding
Solution Approach 1:
The printed circuit board is designed with a curved shape instead of a straight configuration. The curvature allows the circuit board to flex and bend during the folding motion of the accessory device, distributing stress along the curved path rather than concentrating it at straight edges or connection points. This curvature design enables the circuit board to withstand constant stress and strong external tension during repeated folding operations without open-circuiting.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible printed circuit board is used to accommodate folding movement, then the device can be folded and unfolded, but the circuit board is susceptible to open-circuiting under constant stress and external tension
Solution Approach 1:
The curved configuration of the printed circuit board provides both the flexibility needed for folding movements and the structural integrity to resist open-circuiting. The curvature distributes mechanical stress along a longer path, reducing peak stress concentrations that would otherwise cause failure in flexible circuits during repeated folding and unfolding operations.
3Reliability
If the printed circuit board is positioned along the folding line to maintain connectivity, then electrical connection is maintained during folding, but the board experiences strong external tension and constant stress
Solution Approach 1:
The curved shape of the printed circuit board allows it to follow the folding motion while distributing the mechanical stress along its length. The curvature creates a more gradual stress distribution pattern compared to a straight board forced to bend at a single line, reducing the peak tension and stress experienced by the circuit traces and connections during folding operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
An accessory device for covering an electronic device, according to various embodiments of the present invention, comprises: a cover part including a front cover for covering at least a part of the front side of the electronic device, a rear cover for covering at least a part of the rear side of the electronic device, and a side part for connecting the front cover and the rear cover; a first component arranged on the front cover; a second component arranged on the inner side of the rear cover; and a printed circuit board electrically connected to the first component and the second component and arranged from the front cover to the rear cover while traversing the side part, wherein at least part of the printed circuit board can include a flexible structure in the folding region of the cover part, corresponding to the movement of the front cover.