FFC Connector Depth Reduction via Equalized Contact Distances
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for flexible flat cables (FFC) and flexible printed circuits (FPC) have a significant depth, which limits their miniaturization and integration with substrates, particularly when trying to connect both signal and ground terminals efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A connector design that includes signal contacts and ground contacts with a contact pressure generating portion, such as a plate spring, to ensure equal distances for signal and ground terminal contacts, reducing the overall depth and allowing for zero insertion force (ZIF) connections, while maintaining reliable electrical contact and temporary holding functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the connector includes separate ground contacts and signal contacts with different contact distances, then the ground connection reliability is improved, but the connector depth increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ground contact and signal contact into a single integrated contact structure. The contact element has both a ground contact portion and a signal contact portion that make contact with the ground terminal and signal terminals simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate ground contacts and signal contacts with different contact distances, thereby reducing connector depth while maintaining connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The single contact element serves multiple functions: it provides both ground connection through the ground contact portion and signal connection through the signal contact portion. This multi-functional design allows the connector to achieve both grounding and signaling purposes with a unified contact mechanism, resolving the depth issue caused by separate contact structures
2Length of stationary object
If the connector depth is reduced for miniaturization, then the integration with substrates is improved, but the contact reliability between signal contacts and terminals may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The contact element is designed with different local characteristics: the ground contact portion has specific geometric features optimized for ground terminal contact, while the signal contact portion has features optimized for signal terminal contact. This local quality differentiation ensures reliable contact for each function despite the reduced overall depth, as each portion is tailored to its specific contact requirements
3Reliability
If separate ground contacts and signal contacts are used, then the electrical connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple contact functions into a single contact element, reducing the number of components needed. Instead of requiring separate ground contacts and signal contacts, the integrated contact element provides both functions, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining electrical connection reliability through its multi-functional 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
The connector design reduces the depth, enhances miniaturization, and ensures reliable electrical connections by equalizing contact distances and providing a stable temporary holding mechanism, suitable for high-density component mounting.
Implementation Method 1
the contact pressure generating portion is composed of a pressing member that presses the ground terminal of one of the FFC and the FPC against the ground contact
Data Source
AI summary
A connector for connecting an FFC to a substrate includes a plurality of signal contacts, a ground contact, and a housing. The signal contacts are arranged to come into contact with signal terminals of the FFC. The ground contact comes into contact with the ground terminal of the FFC. The housing holds the plurality of signal contacts and the ground contact. A first distance from an end of the housing to a contact point of each signal contact with each signal terminal is set to be substantially equal to a second distance from an end of the housing to a contact point of the ground contact with the ground terminal. The first and second distances are measured along a direction in which one of the FFC and the FPC is inserted into or removed from the connector.