Flexible Printed Circuit Connector Terminal Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flexible printed circuit (FPC) connectors have a limited number of connecting terminals per area, leading to alignment defects and short circuits due to narrow terminal spacing, which restricts the expansion of pad terminal width and increases the height of the connector.
Innovation Solution
A connector design with two separate connecting terminal groups on different surfaces within the housing, allowing for increased terminal density and pad terminal width, preventing contact defects by widening the terminal intervals and enabling more terminals to be packed without reducing the connector's height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the distance between connecting terminals is reduced to increase terminal density, then the number of connecting terminals increases, but coating layer growth causes short circuits between adjacent terminals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-plane terminal arrangement to a three-dimensional structure by forming connecting terminals on both the upper and lower surfaces of the connector. This dimensional change allows terminals to be stacked vertically rather than arranged only horizontally, increasing terminal density without reducing the spacing between terminals on the same surface, thereby preventing short circuits while accommodating more terminals overall.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is divided into two separate groups of connecting terminals: a first group on the upper surface and a second group on the lower surface. This segmentation allows each surface to be optimized independently with adequate spacing for reliable coating, while the overall connector achieves higher terminal capacity through the combined effect of both segmented groups.
2Quantity of substance
If the distance between connecting terminals is reduced to increase terminal density, then the number of connecting terminals increases, but alignment defects occur between connecting terminals and FPC pad terminals
Solution Approach 1:
By adding the vertical dimension with terminals on both upper and lower surfaces, the patent creates multiple alignment opportunities. The FPC can be positioned to align with terminals on either surface, and the base film thickness provides a controlled spacing that facilitates precise alignment. This dimensional approach increases terminal capacity while maintaining adequate alignment margins.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional single-surface terminal arrangement is used, then manufacturing is simple, but the number of connecting terminals per area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the terminal arrangement from a two-dimensional single-surface layout to a three-dimensional configuration utilizing both upper and lower surfaces. This approach maintains manufacturing simplicity by using conventional single-sided or double-sided terminal formation techniques, while dramatically increasing the number of terminals per connector area through the added vertical dimension.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector structure is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides connecting terminals on both surfaces for increased connectivity, maintains mechanical strength through the housing structure, and enables flexible routing options for the FPC. This multi-functionality allows the same basic connector design to achieve higher terminal density without compromising other performance aspects.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a flexible printed circuit connector capable of increasing the number of connecting terminals, a flexible printed circuit capable of increasing the width of a pad terminal connected to each of the connecting terminals, a display device having the flexible printed circuit connector, and a method thereof. The display device includes a display panel displaying an image, a driving circuit driving the display panel, a printed circuit board on which a plurality of signal generators generating a driving signal supplied to the driving circuit is mounted, a connector mounted on the printed circuit board, and a flexible printed circuit inserted into the connector. The connector includes a connector housing providing a connecting port, and at least two connecting terminal groups formed separately on different surfaces within the connector housing.