Flexible Circuit Board Cable Positioning Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional flexible-circuit-board cables are prone to loosening and separation from connectors due to insufficient mating force and inability to effectively eliminate external electromagnetic interference, leading to unstable electrical connections and signal noise.

Innovation Solution

A flexible-circuit-board cable with a positioning structure featuring a connection zone having conductive contacts, projection sections, and shielding layers that engage with the connector's walls to secure the cable and shield against electromagnetic interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a planar hold-down cover is used to hold the flexible-circuit-board cable, then the connector structure is simple, but the mating force is insufficient causing the cable to loosen and separate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector structureVSAvoidelectrical connection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies curvature by forming a projection section with a curved surface on the flexible-circuit-board cable. This curved projection engages with the hold-down cover to create sufficient mating force and prevent loosening, while maintaining a simple connector structure without complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by creating a projection section at a specific location on the flexible-circuit-board cable where engagement with the hold-down cover is needed. This localized structural feature provides the necessary mechanical interlocking without requiring complex modifications throughout the entire cable or connector structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of manufacture

If planar conductor surfaces are used in the flexible-circuit-board cable, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the conductive terminals cannot be correctly and securely positioned

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable manufacturingVSAvoidterminal positioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies curvature by forming a projection section with a curved surface on the flexible-circuit-board cable. This curved projection engages with the hold-down cover to create sufficient mating force and prevent loosening, while maintaining a simple connector structure without complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by creating a projection section at a specific location on the flexible-circuit-board cable where engagement with the hold-down cover is needed. This localized structural feature provides the necessary mechanical interlocking without requiring complex modifications throughout the entire cable or connector structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If conventional connector structure is used, then the device complexity is low, but external electromagnetic interference cannot be effectively eliminated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector structureVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the shielding function with the structural engagement features by integrating a shielding layer into the connection zone of the flexible-circuit-board cable. This combined structure provides both mechanical retention through the projection section and electromagnetic shielding, eliminating the need for separate complex shielding mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection zone of the flexible-circuit-board cable is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: providing structural engagement through the projection section, ensuring electrical connection through conductive contacts, and providing electromagnetic shielding through the integrated shielding layer. This multi-functional design reduces overall device complexity while addressing multiple problems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 a stable electrical connection and effective shielding against external electromagnetic interference, preventing signal noise and reducing the need for complex connectors and costly manufacturing processes.

Implementation Method 1

A shielding layer overlaps the projection section and a portion of the first surface... The second surface of the connection zone is also bonded to a substrate and an additional shielding layer overlaps the substrate and a portion of the second surface of the connection zone... effective shielding against external electromagnetic interference

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentUS8242374B2Flexible-circuit-board cable with positioning structure for insertion
Publication Date: 2012.08.14 ADVANCED FLEXIBLE CIRCUITS
  • US8242374B2 patent drawing
  • US8242374B2 patent drawing
  • US8242374B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided is a flexible-circuit-board cable having a positioning structure. A connection zone is defined in a free end of the flexible-circuit-board cable and is provided with a plurality of conductive contacts. The connection zone has a first surface on which at least one projection section is formed and a second surface. A shielding layer overlaps the projection section and a portion of the first surface. The second surface of the connection zone is also bonded to a shielding layer. When the connection zone of the flexible-circuit-board cable is inserted into an insertion space defined in a connector, the first and second local zones of the connection zone formed by the shielding layers and the projection section are put into engagement with and thus positioned and retained by walls on opposite sides of the insertion space of the connector to thereby fix within the connector.