Flexible Printed Circuit Board Integrating Carrier and Power Supply
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light modules for rearview mirrors in motor vehicles are complex and require significant space due to their rigid structure and multiple components, making them costly and difficult to assemble.
Innovation Solution
A light module with a flexible printed circuit board that integrates both the circuit carrier and power supply, eliminating the need for separate power connections and allowing for a compact, easy-to-assemble design with adaptable LED placement and optional light-shaping elements for efficient signal display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a rigid circuit board with separate power supply and multiple components is used, then the light module can display signals in the rearview mirror, but the structure becomes complex and requires significant installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the circuit carrier and power supply into a single flexible printed circuit board (FPC). This integration eliminates the need for separate power connections and reduces the number of components, directly addressing the technical contradiction by simplifying the structure while minimizing installation space in the rearview mirror.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible printed circuit board serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the circuit carrier for mounting LEDs and electronic components, and as the power supply connection interface. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by eliminating redundant structures while maintaining all necessary signal display capabilities.
2Ease of manufacture
If separate power connections and multiple components are used, then the light module can be assembled, but the assembly process becomes difficult and costly
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the power supply and circuit carrier into one FPC component, the patent reduces the total number of parts that need to be assembled. This directly improves ease of manufacture by eliminating complex connection processes between separate power supplies and circuit boards, while also reducing component quantity.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of a flexible printed circuit board allows for easier handling and assembly compared to rigid structures. The flexibility enables simpler integration into the rearview mirror assembly, directly addressing the ease of manufacture requirement while reducing the overall complexity of the component arrangement.
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 results in a lightweight, cost-effective light module that requires minimal installation space, is easy to handle, and can display various colored signals with reduced component complexity, while also providing protection from contaminants through a sealed structure.
Implementation Method 1
a light source, which includes at least one SIDE LED and/or at least one TOP LED
Implementation Method 2
At least one light-shaping element can be provided to adjust the emission angle of the light. The light-shaping element, which has the task of directing the light emerging from the lamps towards the passenger compartment, can be formed by a simple light guide
Implementation Method 3
A diffuser, in particular a diffuser film, can be provided in a manner known per se for uniform illumination of the surface to be illuminated
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The module (1) has a circuit carrier (2) on which illuminants e.g. side LEDs (4i-4k) and/or top LEDs, and electronic parts (5) are arranged. A power supply (3) connects the circuit carrier with an interface to a connection unit, where the interface is arranged at a distance to the carrier. The carrier and the power supply are formed as one-piece component, made of same material and formed by a flexible printed circuit board. The printed circuit board is formed as a strip-shaped conductive path in a region of the power supply.