Flat Cable Connection Structure for Automated PCB Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connection structures between flat cables and electronic circuit boards require complex automation equipment, increasing manufacturing costs due to the need for connectors and manual insertion parallel to the board, making automation difficult and costly.
Innovation Solution
A connection structure that eliminates the need for connectors by using a cable connection hole with internal contacts and a flat cable with exposed contacts, allowing perpendicular or inclined insertion, simplifying automation and reducing equipment costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a connector with fixing cover is used to connect flat cable to electronic circuit board, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but device complexity and automation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the connector component from the system, allowing the flat cable to be inserted directly into the electronic circuit board through a cable connection hole. This eliminates the fixing cover and complex connector structure while maintaining reliable electrical connection through direct contact between contact portions on the flat cable and contact pads on the circuit board.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of the connector and the cable connection into a single integrated structure. The cable connection hole in the electronic circuit board directly receives the flat cable, combining the previously separate connector housing, contact terminals, and mounting structure into a simplified unified connection interface.
2Ease of manufacture
If manual insertion method is used for connecting flat cable parallel to electronic circuit board, then connection is achieved, but automation becomes difficult and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of inserting the flat cable horizontally parallel to the circuit board surface as in conventional methods, the patent inverts the insertion direction to be vertical or perpendicular to the circuit board surface. This inverted insertion method allows for simpler automation equipment that can easily position and insert the cable from above, reducing manufacturing complexity and enabling better automation.
3Strength
If connector and fixing cover are used for flat cable connection, then secure mechanical attachment is achieved, but assembly cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the connector and fixing cover components from the assembly, eliminating their associated manufacturing and assembly costs. The mechanical attachment strength is maintained through the direct insertion of the flat cable into the cable connection hole, where the contact portions make firm contact with the contact pads on the circuit board, providing sufficient mechanical strength without additional components.
Data Source
AI summary
A connection structure between a flat cable and an electronic circuit board includes an electronic circuit board; a cable connection hole formed to penetrate the electronic circuit board; a plurality of internal contacts provided on an inner surface of the cable connection hole; and a flat cable provided with a plurality of contacts which correspond to the plurality of internal contacts of the cable connection hole and are exposed to one side surface of the flat cable. When one end of the flat cable is inserted into the cable connection hole of the electronic circuit board, the plurality of contacts of the flat cable are in contact with the plurality of internal contacts of the cable connection hole, respectively.