Flexible PCB Cable Routing in Tapered Pipette Instruments
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Laboratory sample instruments face challenges in connecting electric conductors to electric apparatuses at a distance due to spatial constraints, particularly in manual dispensers where limited space makes conventional cable arrangements difficult.
Innovation Solution
A flexible printed circuit board cable device with adaptable dimensions and layout, allowing conductor tracks to be routed on both sides of the board and bent to fit cramped spaces, enabling efficient connection of electric apparatuses even in restricted areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electric feed lines are used to connect sensor apparatus to control apparatus, then electrical connection can be established, but the available space for cable routing becomes insufficient due to the tapered geometry of the instrument
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional three-dimensional cable routing to a two-dimensional flexible printed circuit board layout. The FPCB allows electrical connections to be established by routing conductor tracks across the surface of the board, utilizing the planar dimension rather than requiring volumetric cable space. This resolves the space constraint in the tapered instrument geometry while maintaining reliable electrical connections between the sensor apparatus and control apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible printed circuit board as a thin film structure to provide electrical connections. The FPCB can be bent and conform to the available space within the tapered instrument housing, allowing conductor tracks to reach from the sensor apparatus at the attachment to the control apparatus in the instrument shaft without requiring conventional cable routing space. This thin film approach eliminates the volumetric space requirements of traditional cables.
2Volume of stationary object
If the instrument housing is tapered to reduce spatial volume, then the instrument size is reduced, but the cross section available for cable routing becomes too small
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by moving the cable routing problem from three-dimensional volumetric routing to two-dimensional surface routing on the FPCB. The conductor tracks are laid out on the flat surface of the flexible circuit board, allowing electrical connections to be made without requiring cross-sectional area within the tapered housing. This enables the instrument to maintain its tapered, space-efficient geometry while still providing adequate routing capability for electrical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable routing system with an integrated FPCB structure. Instead of using separate cables that require volumetric space for routing through the tapered housing, the electrical connections are integrated directly into the FPCB, which can be bent and shaped to fit the available space. This substitution eliminates the need for conventional cable routing channels and reduces the overall instrument volume.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electric apparatus is attached to the attachment for holding pipette tip, then sensor functionality is added, but the space for routing electric lines becomes severely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical connection function with the structural FPCB substrate. The conductor tracks, contact points, and structural support are integrated into a single FPCB component rather than being separate elements. This allows the sensor apparatus to be attached to the attachment with electrical connections made through the FPCB itself, eliminating the need for separate cable routing space and enabling compact integration of sensor functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the two-dimensional surface of the FPCB to route electrical connections from the sensor apparatus. Instead of requiring three-dimensional cable routing space that would be unavailable in the tapered geometry near the attachment, the FPCB provides a planar routing path for conductor tracks to reach from the sensor contact points to the control apparatus, enabling sensor integration without compromising line routing capability.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a laboratory sample instrument (200) with a cable holding space (185) in which a printed circuit board cable device (100) is arranged, more particularly to a dispenser or a pipette. The printed circuit board cable device has at least one printed circuit board (102), which has a first and a second side of the board, and, arranged in succession, at least one first printed circuit board section (A), at least one second printed circuit board section (B) and at least one third printed circuit board section (C), with the printed circuit board having a number of conductor tracks (121,122) which, at least in sections, are arranged parallel with respect to one another on the printed circuit board and extend from a first track section, which is arranged in the first printed circuit board section, via the second printed circuit board section to the third printed circuit board section, in which a second track section is arranged, wherein, in the second printed circuit board section, at least one conductor track (121a, 122a) is arranged on the first side of the board and at least one conductor track (121b, 122b) is arranged on the second side of the board.