Flexible Circuit Board Assembly for Personal Care Appliance EMI Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Personal care appliances with electronic subassemblies face challenges in efficiently assembling electronic components in a small space while minimizing electromagnetic interference with antennas and ensuring reliable operation in wet environments.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves using a flexible circuit board with a first and second rigid circuit board mounted to its ends, where the second rigid circuit board is folded over the first, and a flexible antenna is in electrical communication with the first rigid circuit board. A flexible shield is also used to fold over electronic components to block electromagnetic waves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If electronic components are assembled in a small space within personal care appliances, then the device size is reduced, but electromagnetic interference with antennas increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the circuit board into multiple rigid circuit boards (first rigid circuit board, second rigid circuit board) connected by a flexible bridge. This segmentation allows electronic components to be distributed across separate boards, reducing electromagnetic interference between components while maintaining compact device size. The flexible bridge enables spatial separation of interference-generating components from the antenna area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a flexible shield as an intermediary element between electronic components and the antenna. This shield blocks electromagnetic waves from interfering with the antenna while allowing the compact integration of electronic components nearby. The flexible nature of the shield allows it to conform to the compact appliance structure.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid circuit boards are used in a compact appliance, then structural stability is improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible bridge to connect rigid circuit boards, creating a dynamic assembly structure. The flexible bridge allows the rigid circuit boards to be positioned and assembled with some degree of movement and adjustment, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining structural stability during operation. The flexibility enables easier integration into the compact appliance housing.
3Reliability
If electronic components are shielded from electromagnetic waves, then antenna performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible shield made from thin, flexible material to block electromagnetic waves between electronic components and the antenna. This flexible shielding solution is simpler than rigid shielding structures, easier to integrate into compact designs, and maintains antenna performance by effectively blocking interference while conforming to the appliance's space constraints.
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 allows for efficient assembly of electronic components within the constraints of personal care appliances, minimizes electromagnetic interference with antennas, and ensures reliable operation in wet environments.
Implementation Method 1
A flexible shield is folded over the at least one electronic component
Data Source
AI summary
A method of assembling a personal care appliance by providing a flexible bridge between a first rigid circuit board and a second rigid circuit board. At least one electronic component emitting electromagnetic waves is mounted to the first rigid circuit board or the second rigid circuit board. The first rigid circuit board is folded over the second rigid circuit board. A flexible antenna in electrical communication with first rigid circuit board is folded to face a copper track on a top surface of the flexible antenna away from the first rigid circuit board.