Flat Cable Routing Structure for Stable Vibratory Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing flat cable wiring structure in operation devices with vibration imparting mechanisms causes unstable vibratory feedback in touch panel devices due to tension, affecting the control of vibrating height.

Innovation Solution

A flat cable wiring structure with a routing portion that includes a bending portion and two intersecting routing portions, where the bending portion is movable and the second routing portion undergoes flexing deformation to absorb counterforces, reducing the impact of cable tension on vibratory feedback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the flat cable is arranged in an S-shape within the body to connect the touch panel device and control board, then the electrical connection is established, but the tension of the flat cable causes the vibrating height of the touch panel device to become unstable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection stabilityVSAvoidvibrating height stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The flat cable routing is divided into multiple segments: a first routing portion extending from the touch sensor board downward, a bending portion with a bending portion, and a second routing portion extending along the control board. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function - the first routing portion provides flexibility, the bending portion absorbs tension, and the second routing portion maintains stable electrical connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flat cable routing is designed to be dynamically adaptable during vibration. The bending portion can change its curvature and the routing portions can flex to accommodate the vertical movement of the touch panel device during vibration, maintaining electrical connection while absorbing the dynamic forces generated during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If the flat cable is arranged vertically to connect the touch sensor board and control board, then the electrical connection is simplified, but the cable tension interferes with the vibratory feedback control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewiring structure complexityVSAvoidcable tension interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The bending portion acts as an intermediary element between the first routing portion and the second routing portion. It absorbs the tension forces generated during vibration and prevents these forces from being transmitted to the touch sensor board, thereby eliminating the harmful cable tension interference while maintaining the electrical connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The flat cable routing design converts the potentially harmful cable tension into a beneficial force by using the bending portion to absorb and dissipate the tension energy through flexing and deformation, preventing it from interfering with the vibratory feedback control while maintaining electrical connectivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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

This configuration ensures stable vibratory feedback control by reducing counterforces from the flat cable tension, maintaining consistent vibrating height without interference with the control board.

Implementation Method 1

the second routing portion is configured to undergo a flexing deformation so as to absorb a counter force to a stress transmitted from the operation mechanism to the second routing portion when vibration is imparted to the operation mechanism

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlexing deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the routing portion comprises a bending portion (7a) that bends at a bending angle allowing the routing portion to be routed partially along the control board (6)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBending:

Data Source

PatentEP3203355B1Flat cable wiring structure
Publication Date: 2019.09.11 KK TOKAI RIKA DENKI SEISAKUSHO
  • EP3203355B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3203355B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

A flat cable wiring structure includes an operation mechanism that detects a physical operation made on an operating surface and outputs a detection signal, a control board, disposed facing the operating surface of the operation mechanism, that outputs a driving signal for imparting vibration to the operation mechanism on the basis of the detection signal, and a flat cable that electrically connects the operation mechanism and the control board. The flat cable includes a routing portion that extends from the operation mechanism to the control board along a movement direction of the operation mechanism. The routing portion includes a bending portion that bends at a bending angle allowing the routing portion to be routed along the control board.