Dual-Row FFC Connector Structural Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flexible flat cable connectors (FFC) have a single-row arrangement, leading to structural weakness and difficulty in repeated insertion and removal from printed circuit boards (PCBs), making them prone to damage during use.
Innovation Solution
The flexible flat cable connector features dual-row configurations of terminals with resilient portions in separate insertion spaces, allowing for easy insertion and removal by cramp portions and resilient hooks, enhancing structural strength and usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a single-row arrangement of terminals is used in the conventional FFC, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the structural strength is insufficient and the width is larger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-row arrangement to a dual-row arrangement of terminals, effectively utilizing two-dimensional space instead of one-dimensional linear arrangement. This dimensional change increases the number of terminals that can be accommodated while reducing the overall width of the FFC, and the increased structural complexity provides enhanced strength and rigidity
2Ease of operation
If the conventional FFC is electrically connected to the PCB, then electrical connection is achieved, but the FFC and PCB are easily damaged if the user desires to extract the FFC from the PCB
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces resilient portions on the terminals that can dynamically adjust their state. These resilient portions are designed to be elastic and flexible, allowing them to deform during insertion and removal operations. The dynamic elasticity enables the terminals to absorb mechanical stress, facilitating easy plugging and unplugging while preventing damage to both the FFC and PCB
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the terminal by adding resilient portions with elastic properties. This parameter change allows the terminal to transition between different states (deformed and recovered), enabling reversible connection and disconnection operations without causing damage to the connected components
3Area of stationary object
If the conventional FFC is constructed with a single-row arrangement to form a larger width, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the structural strength needs to be enhanced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges terminals in a dual-row configuration instead of a single-row arrangement, effectively utilizing the width dimension more efficiently. This two-dimensional arrangement reduces the overall width required for the same number of terminals while the dual-row structure itself provides enhanced structural strength and rigidity compared to a single-row design
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 repeated and secure electrical connections and disconnections between FFC and PCBs, improving the structural integrity and usability of the connector, allowing for easy replacement or repair of electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of terminals, forwardly extending each terminal to form a first resilient portion and backwardly extending to form either a second resilient portion or a soldering portion
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible flat cable connector is described. The flexible flat cable connector comprises an insulating housing having first terminal holes in front end of the insulating housing and having second terminal holes in rear end of the insulating housing, wherein first terminal holes and second terminal holes are arranged in upward/downward dual-row configuration to form first insertion space and second insertion space respectively; and a plurality of terminals, forwardly extending each terminal to form first resilient portion and backwardly extending to form either second resilient portion or soldering portion, wherein terminals are secured inside the insulating housing in upward/downward dual-row configuration, first resilient portions are inserted to first insertion space and arranged in upward/downward dual-row configuration, and second resilient portions are inserted to second insertion space and arranged in upward/downward dual-row configuration; wherein soldering portions of terminals are arranged in and exposed from rear end of the insulating housing.