Flexible Board Connector Layout for Tight-Space Electronic Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible substrates in electronic devices face damage due to tension perpendicular to connector coupling and limited space constraints, especially when bent with large curvatures, leading to potential connector disengagement and space inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A flexible substrate coupling structure with a bracket mechanism that constrains and aligns substrates, allowing them to be bent in the Z-axis direction, reducing tension on connectors and optimizing space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If flexible substrates are bent with large curvatures to fit limited inner space, then space utilization is improved, but the substrates and connectors may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible substrate is divided into multiple regions: a first region that remains substantially flat and a second region that is bent along a bending line. This segmentation allows the substrate to achieve the necessary curvature for space utilization while protecting the connector region from excessive bending stress and damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate is pre-configured with a bending line and predetermined bend shape before assembly. This preliminary shaping allows the substrate to be installed in the limited inner space without requiring excessive bending during assembly, thereby preventing damage to the connectors and ensuring reliable connection.
2Strength
If connectors are made larger to accommodate tension forces, then connector strength is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate is segmented into flat and bent regions, with the bending line positioned to distribute tension forces away from the connector region. This allows the use of smaller, simpler connectors that would not be sufficient if subjected to the full tension load, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adequate strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The bent region of the substrate acts as an intermediary element that absorbs and distributes tension forces generated during device assembly and operation. By positioning the bending line at an appropriate location, the tension is relieved before reaching the connector, allowing smaller connectors to function reliably.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
An electronic device includes: a housing including a plate and a back plate facing a second surface of the plate and including a planar area facing a first direction, a display module including a display disposed on a first surface of the plate, a battery and a circuit board disposed on the second surface of the plate, a first flexible substrate extending from the display module, and a second flexible substrate extending from the circuit board to the first flexible substrate across the battery. The first flexible substrate includes a first connector, and the second flexible substrate includes a second connector. The first flexible substrate and the second flexible substrate are configured such that the first connector and the second connector are coupled in a second direction different from the first direction.