Flexible PCB Power Layout for Heat Dissipation and Antenna Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices face challenges in managing heat dissipation and connector space in narrow spaces due to high-performance components, which can lead to reduced antenna performance and increased connector pin count.

Innovation Solution

The use of a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) that integrates high-current and low-current components, with flexible conductive members to manage heat dissipation and reduce connector pins, while maintaining antenna performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If high-performance electronic components are disposed in a narrow space, then device functionality is improved, but heat dissipation becomes difficult and antenna performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidheat dissipation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the circuit board into multiple layers, with high-current wiring specifically routed on the back side of the PCB away from the antenna area. This segmentation separates heat-generating components and wiring from the antenna region, allowing high-performance components to be densely packed while maintaining heat dissipation pathways and antenna performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple connectors are used to connect electronic components to PCB, then connection functionality is improved, but mounting space increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection functionalityVSAvoidmounting space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple connector functions into a single integrated connector structure. The connector simultaneously provides mechanical connection, electrical connection, and heat dissipation functions, eliminating the need for separate connectors for each function and reducing overall mounting space while maintaining full connection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector is designed as a multi-functional component that performs mechanical attachment, electrical signal/power transmission, and thermal management simultaneously. This universal connector reduces the total number of components needed and optimizes space utilization in the electronic device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Power

If high-current wiring is placed in antenna area, then power transmission is improved, but antenna performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transmissionVSAvoidantenna performance
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of placing high-current wiring in the traditional front-side antenna area, the patent inverts the wiring layout by routing high-current traces on the back side of the PCB. This inverted arrangement maintains power transmission capability while eliminating interference with antenna radiation patterns and performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution effectively dissipates heat generated by high-current components and reduces the number of connectors, thereby optimizing space utilization and preserving antenna functionality.

Implementation Method 1

a flexible conductive member (321) comprising a conductor disposed between the second face and the FPCB, wherein the flexible conductive member is electrically connected to a power transmission line

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3624570B1Electronic device including flexible printed circuit board
Publication Date: 2026.01.07 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3624570B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3624570B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3624570B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is an electronic device. An electronic device according to an embodiment may include: a housing (side bezel 520 shown) including an inner space; a printed circuit board (PCB) 540 disposed in the inner space and having a plate shape including a first face and a second face, the PCB including a first electrical connector 651 disposed on the first face; a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) 550 including a second electrical connector 652 coupled to the first electrical connector and connected to an end thereof, and an electronic component 610 electrically connected to the PCB and spaced apart from the second face; and a flexible conductive member 640 comprising a conductor disposed between the second face and the FPCB, wherein the second electrical connector is electrically connected to a signal transmission line and a first power transmission line, and the flexible conductive member is electrically connected to a second power transmission line.