Flexible PCB Protective Cover with Latching Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible printed circuit boards are prone to damage and contamination during manufacturing and handling due to manual and machine handling, leading to costly protective measures and residue issues from adhesive stickers.
Innovation Solution
A protective cover with a frame-like protective unit and accommodating sections that securely enclose the circuit board, featuring latching projections, detachable partial covers, and conical mounting pins for secure and cost-effective protection throughout the process chain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If protective adhesive stickers are used to protect contact surfaces, then contact surfaces are protected from damage and contamination, but adhesive residues remain on the contact surface causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable protective foil covers that are discarded after single use, eliminating adhesive residue problems associated with reusable adhesive stickers. The foil covers are inexpensive, single-use protective elements that prevent contact surface contamination without leaving residues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses thin foil covers that conform to the flexible printed circuit board surface, providing effective protection while maintaining flexibility and accessibility for functional tests. The foil structure allows protection without rigid constraints.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If manual handling with protective gloves or complex gripper systems is used, then contact surfaces are protected from damage, but handling complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protective foil covers are applied to the flexible printed circuit boards before they enter the manufacturing process chain. This preliminary protection eliminates the need for complex protective handling systems during subsequent processing steps, as the boards are already protected against damage and contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective foil covers serve as self-contained protective elements that do not require additional handling systems, protective gloves, or complex gripper mechanisms. The protection is built into the board assembly itself, simplifying the overall handling system.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If protective measures are implemented throughout the entire process chain, then contact surfaces remain protected, but manufacturing costs and time expenditure increase
Solution Approach 1:
By applying protective foil covers at the beginning of the process chain, the patent eliminates the need for repeated protective measures during subsequent handling and processing steps. This single preliminary action provides continuous protection throughout manufacturing, improving efficiency while maintaining protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective foil covers serve multiple functions throughout the entire process chain: protecting contact surfaces from contamination, preventing damage during handling, and allowing functional tests to be performed. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protective measures at different stages.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the protective cover completely encloses the circuit board, then protection is maximized, but accessibility for function testing is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The protective foil covers are designed with local openings or access points that allow functional tests to be performed on contact surfaces while the rest of the board remains protected. This localized modification maintains protection where needed while providing accessibility where required.
Data Source
AI summary
A protective cover for mounting a flexible printed circuit board in a protected manner, includes a protective unit for covering a surface of the flexible printed circuit board and a connecting unit for securely connecting a reinforcing plate to the protective cover.