Flexible Circuit Undulations for Aircraft Hinge Fatigue
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current surveillance systems for aircraft interiors lack a reliable and fatigue-resistant mechanism to allow flexible and electrical connection of display units to cameras and control assemblies, hindering effective monitoring of passenger cabin activities without interfering with critical flight systems.
Innovation Solution
A hinge assembly featuring a flexible circuit board with preformed undulations and plated-through holes, enabling the board to bend and moveably connect display units to fixed components, reducing stress and fatigue, and allowing swiveling motion for user convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flexible circuit board is used to allow swiveling motion of the display unit, then the ease of operation is improved, but the fatigue life and reliability deteriorate due to repeated bending stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by forming undulations (waves) in the flexible circuit board instead of keeping it flat. These undulations are positioned in regions that will undergo bending during swiveling motion, allowing the board to flex more easily while the curved geometry distributes and reduces stress concentrations, thereby improving fatigue life while maintaining operational flexibility
2Ease of operation
If the flexible circuit board is made more flexible to accommodate repeated bending, then the ease of operation is improved, but the strength and durability worsen due to increased stress on signal traces
Solution Approach 1:
The undulations create a curved geometry that allows the circuit board to bend more easily while distributing mechanical stress away from the signal traces. The wave-like structure absorbs bending energy, reducing the stress transmitted to the conductive pathways and maintaining signal integrity during repeated swiveling operations
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid connection is used between display unit and fixed component, then the strength and stability are improved, but the adaptability and ease of operation worsen due to inability to swivel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible circuit board as a thin film structure that provides both mechanical connection and electrical connectivity. The flexible nature of this thin film allows the display unit to swivel relative to the fixed component while maintaining a stable electrical and mechanical connection, achieving both adaptability and stability simultaneously
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge assembly configured for attachment to two objects is described herein. The hinge assembly includes: a flexible circuit board having planar conductive circuitry and including at least one preformed undulation in a region of the flexible circuit board, wherein the at least one undulation is configured to allow the flexible circuit board to bend at the region; and a plurality of plated-through holes defined by the flexible circuit board, wherein the holes are configured to allow attachment of the flexible circuit board to the two objects, wherein the flexible circuit board is configured to movably and electrically connect the two objects.