Flexible Printed Circuit Board Guide for Stable Hinge Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices with flexible displays face challenges in maintaining a stable connecting assembly when the device is repeatedly transitioned between open and closed states, leading to potential damage from repetitive movement.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device incorporates a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) with a third part that includes both rigid and flexible areas, and a guide coupled to the rigid area, allowing the FPCB to change shape between a folded and unfolded form, while the guide maintains a constant radius of curvature, thereby reducing stress on the connecting assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the FPCB is made fully flexible to allow repeated folding, then the device can transition between open and closed states, but the connecting assembly becomes unstable and prone to damage from repetitive movement
Solution Approach 1:
The FPCB is divided into three distinct parts: a first part, a second part, and a third part. The third part is further segmented into a rigid area and a flexible area. This segmentation allows different regions to serve different functions - the flexible areas enable folding while the rigid area provides structural stability when coupled with the guide.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the FPCB are given different mechanical properties. The first and second parts are flexible to allow folding, while the third part contains a rigid area that provides structural support. The guide is coupled to this rigid area to maintain a constant radius of curvature during folding, reducing stress on the connecting assembly.
2Reliability
If the FPCB is made rigid to maintain stable connection, then the connecting assembly remains stable, but the device cannot transition between open and closed states
Solution Approach 1:
The FPCB is divided into three distinct parts: a first part, a second part, and a third part. The third part is further segmented into a rigid area and a flexible area. This segmentation allows different regions to serve different functions - the flexible areas enable folding while the rigid area provides structural stability when coupled with the guide.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the FPCB are given different mechanical properties. The first and second parts are flexible to allow folding, while the third part contains a rigid area that provides structural support. The guide is coupled to this rigid area to maintain a constant radius of curvature during folding, reducing stress on the connecting assembly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the guide is coupled to the flexible area of the FPCB, then the FPCB can fold freely, but the radius of curvature varies causing stress and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the FPCB are given different mechanical properties. The first and second parts are flexible to allow folding, while the third part contains a rigid area that provides structural support. The guide is coupled to this rigid area to maintain a constant radius of curvature during folding, reducing stress on the connecting assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide is designed to maintain a constant radius of curvature during the folding process. By coupling the guide to the rigid area of the third part, the FPCB follows a controlled curved path when folded, preventing stress concentration and potential damage to the connecting assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device includes: a flexible printed circuit board configured to connect a first printed circuit board and a second printed circuit board and including a rigid area and a flexible area, and a guide at least partially coupled to the rigid area, and located inside the flexible printed circuit board.