Elastic Connecting Member for Side Surface Circuit Board Contact

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connecting members for electronic devices increase the z-axis thickness when connecting components like antennas to circuit boards, and require additional apparatus or complex structures for side surface contact, which is challenging due to limited internal space in portable devices with larger screens and batteries.

Innovation Solution

A connecting member with elastic bending parts, a pad part attached to the circuit board, and a fixing part that extends to secure the member to the board, allowing side surface contact without additional apparatus, using materials like beryllium or stainless steel with silver and nickel plating for electrical conductivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a connecting member contacts the z-axis by using a circuit board as support, then the connection is stable, but the z-axis direction thickness of the electronic device is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidz-axis thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting member transitions from vertical (z-axis) contact to horizontal (side surface) contact with the circuit board. The pad part contacts the side surface of the circuit board, allowing the antenna to be connected in the x-y plane direction rather than increasing z-axis thickness, thus resolving the contradiction between connection stability and device thickness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of having the connecting member extend vertically from the circuit board surface (z-axis direction), the design inverts the contact approach by having the pad part contact the side surface of the circuit board. This inversion allows the connecting member to maintain stability while reducing the z-axis thickness requirement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If side surface contact is implemented with additional apparatus or FPCB, then the connection method is achieved, but the device structure becomes complex and internal mounting space is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveside surface contact capabilityVSAvoidapparatus structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting member integrates multiple functions into a single component: the pad part provides side surface contact with the circuit board, the bending part provides mechanical flexibility and electrical connection, and the fixing part secures the assembly. This merging eliminates the need for additional FPCB or complex fixing apparatus, reducing device complexity while enabling side surface contact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting member is designed as a multi-functional component that can simultaneously provide mechanical support, electrical connection, and fixation. The single component structure with pad part, bending part, and fixing part serves multiple purposes that would otherwise require separate apparatus, thereby simplifying the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Length of moving object

If a C-clip is used to reduce z-axis thickness, then the thickness is reduced relatively, but additional apparatus or complex screw structures are still required for side surface contact

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvez-axis thicknessVSAvoidfixing structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting member combines the thickness-reducing feature of C-clip designs with the side surface contact capability in a single integrated structure. The pad part directly contacts the circuit board side surface while the fixing part provides secure attachment, eliminating the need for separate C-clip and screw fixing apparatus.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables stable side surface mounting of components within the device, reducing device thickness and simplifying antenna assembly, while maintaining durability equivalent to z-axis contact configurations.

Implementation Method 1

The connecting member includes at least one elastic bending part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

using materials like beryllium or stainless steel with silver and nickel plating for electrical conductivity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroplating: Electroplating

Data Source

PatentEP4099507A1Electronic device comprising a connecting member
Publication Date: 2022.12.07 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4099507A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4099507A1 patent drawingFigure 1C~2A
  • EP4099507A1 patent drawingFigure 2B~3A

AI summary

A connecting member for electrically connecting a circuit board and a component in an electronic device is provided. The connecting member includes at least one bending part configured to comprise elasticity, a pad part connected to the bending part and configured to be attached to one surface of the circuit board, and a fixing part extending from the pad part and configured to fix the connecting member to the circuit board.