Flexible Printed Circuit with Bent Metal Stiffener
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible printed circuits offer insufficient mounting stability, leading to potential component damage and reliability issues in electronic devices, especially when used with rigid printed circuits.
Innovation Solution
A flexible printed circuit is laminated to a metal stiffener, which is bent to maintain the circuit's position, with openings allowing access to metal traces for component mounting and integration into device housings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If flexible printed circuits are used to address challenging mounting conditions, then adaptability is improved, but mounting stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining flexible printed circuit material with metal stiffener material to create a hybrid structure that exhibits both flexibility and rigidity, resolving the contradiction between mounting adaptability and mounting stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the mounting structure into distinct functional zones: flexible regions for adaptability and stiffened regions with metal insertions for stability, allowing each segment to perform its optimized function
2Reliability
If rigid printed circuits are used, then mounting stability is improved, but adaptability to challenging mounting conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing stiffening only in specific locations where stability is needed, while maintaining flexibility in other areas, rather than making the entire circuit rigid
3Ease of operation
If openings are formed in the stiffener for component access, then ease of operation is improved, but structural strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by forming openings in the stiffener before final assembly, allowing components to be accessed and mounted through pre-positioned access points without compromising the overall structural integrity of the stiffener
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 solution provides enhanced mounting stability and flexibility for electronic components, enabling secure attachment within device enclosures and reducing the risk of component damage during device use.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible printed circuit may be laminated to a metal stiffener such as a sheet of stainless steel or other metal
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible printed circuit may be laminated to a metal stiffener. The stiffener may be bent to hold the flexible printed circuit in a desired position. Openings may be formed in the stiffener. Metal traces on the flexible printed circuit may be accessed through the openings. Test points in the metal traces may be accessed through the openings or components may be mounted to the metal traces on the flexible printed circuit through the openings. The stiffener may have bends. The bends may be used to shape the stiffener and flexible printed circuit to form an enclosure. The openings in the stiffener may overlap the bends or may be located away from the bends. Flexible printed circuits mounted on bent stiffeners may be used to form elongated tubes with planar sides.