Flexible PCB Fastener Arrangement for High-Pin-Count Interconnects

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional flexible printed circuits (FPCs) and rigid-flex PCBs face limitations in pin count, assembly complexity, and cost, with cable connectors often requiring complex mating forces and large keep-out zones, leading to increased assembly time and material costs.

Innovation Solution

A fastener arrangement using flexible fastener tapes with alternating conductive and non-conductive coupling elements, secured to electronic boards via sliders, allowing reversible coupling without compression forces, enabling flexible placement and reducing the need for mounting screws.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional FPCs are used with onboard receptacles and headers, then board-to-board interconnection is achieved, but the mating force required creates a limit on total pin count permissible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidpin count

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the connection system into two separate components: a flexible circuit board with connectors and a separate fastener assembly. This segmentation allows the electrical connection and mechanical retention functions to be independently optimized, enabling higher pin counts without increasing mating force on the connectors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a separate fastener assembly as an intermediary component that provides mechanical retention without applying compression forces to the electrical connectors. This intermediary fastener system allows the connectors to maintain reliable electrical contact while the fasteners provide the necessary mechanical strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If mounting screws or retention screws are used to secure interconnect pins, then connection stability is improved, but the keep-out-zone is enlarged requiring larger board area

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidboard area

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses a flexible fastener tape with adhesive backing that can be applied directly to the board surface, eliminating the need for through-holes and screws. This flexible film approach provides stable mechanical retention while occupying minimal board area and not interfering with component placement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If conventional rigid-flex PCBs are employed to interconnect two boards, then board interconnection is achieved, but the cost is high and flexibility in detaching boards is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterconnection reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention separates the rigid PCB from the flexible connection mechanism by using a distinct flexible fastener assembly. This allows the use of standard rigid PCBs with conventional manufacturing processes, reducing cost while maintaining interconnection reliability and enabling easy detachment by simply removing the fastener assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of operation

If cable connectors are positioned at edge and top side for easy access, then cable plug-in accessibility is improved, but cable routing paths become long and winding

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable plug-in accessibilityVSAvoidcable routing path length

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces a flexible fastener assembly as an intermediary that enables connector placement at optimal locations near the center of the board rather than at peripheral edges. This intermediary fastening system provides easy access for assembly while allowing shorter, more direct cable routing paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12424779B2Flexible printed circuit board arrangement

Publication Date: 2025.09.23 INTEL CORP

AI summary

There may be provided a fastener arrangement. The fastener arrangement may include a first fastener tape including a first plurality of electrically conductive coupling elements and a first plurality of non-electrically conductive coupling elements. The fastener arrangement may further include a second fastener tape comprising a second plurality of electrically conductive coupling elements and a second plurality of non-electrically conductive coupling element. The fastener arrangement may further include a slider couplable to the first fastener tape and the second fastener tape for reversibly interleaving and interlocking the first plurality of electrically conductive and non-electrically conductive coupling elements with their corresponding second plurality of electrically conductive and non-electrically conductive elements. The interleaved and interlocked first and second plurality of electrically conductive coupling elements may form a plurality of conductive-bridges and the interleaved and interlocked first and second plurality of non-electrically conductive coupling elements may form a plurality of insulation-bridges.