Flexible PCB Hinge Support Layout for Foldable Device Durability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The flexible printed circuit board in foldable electronic devices experiences increased bending stress due to the need for a longer bendable area to avoid interference with internal components, limiting its stable disposition in a reduced space.
Innovation Solution
A foldable electronic device design incorporating a flexible printed circuit board with support members positioned in recesses of the housing, ensuring the circuit board is stabilized across a hinge portion, reducing bending stress by maintaining a flat shape during transitions between unfolded and folded states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the bendable area length is increased to reduce interference with internal components, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases and the ease of operation deteriorates due to limited space for stable disposition
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into first and second housings with separate recesses, allowing the flexible printed circuit board to be divided into first and second bendable areas that can be independently supported and managed, reducing interference while maintaining stability
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second bendable areas of the flexible printed circuit board are nested within the first and second recesses respectively, allowing the circuit board to be disposed in a stable shape that reduces bending stress while accommodating the increased length needed to avoid interference with internal components
2Reliability
If the bendable area length is increased to avoid interference with internal components, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation worsens due to difficulty in maintaining stable shape in limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into first and second support members positioned in separate recesses, allowing each bendable area to be independently stabilized, making it easier to maintain a stable shape while accommodating the increased length
Solution Approach 2:
The bendable areas are nested within the recesses of the housing, which provides a confined space that guides and stabilizes the circuit board during folding operations, making it easier to maintain a stable shape despite the increased length
3Reliability
If the bendable area is disposed in a shape to reduce bending stress, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to space constraints in foldable housing
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into first and second housings with separate recesses, allowing the bendable areas to be disposed in optimal shapes for reducing bending stress while distributing the structural complexity across separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The bendable areas are nested within the recesses, which provides the necessary space for disposing them in shapes that reduce bending stress while containing the structural complexity within the housing boundaries
4Reliability
If the bendable area length is increased to avoid interference with internal components, then the reliability is improved, but the volume of the foldable housing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The increased length of the bendable area is accommodated by nesting it within the recesses of the housing, allowing the circuit board to extend without proportionally increasing the external volume of the foldable housing
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the provided foldable electronic device comprises: a foldable housing including a first housing, a second housing and a hinge portion for connecting the first housing and the second housing; a flexible printed circuit board extending across the hinge portion; a first support member for connecting the flexible printed circuit board to the first housing; and a second support member for connecting the flexible printed circuit board to the second housing, wherein: the hinge portion includes a first plate and a second plate, and is formed such that the first plate and the second plate face each other when the foldable housing is switched from an unfolded state to a folded state; the first support member is positioned between the first plate and the first housing, and is arranged in a first recess formed in the first housing; a first fixing region of the flexible printed circuit board is arranged between the first support member and the first housing so as to surround the first support member in the first recess; the second support member is arranged between the second plate and the second housing, and is arranged in a second recess formed in the second housing; and a second fixing region of the flexible printed circuit board is arranged between the second support member and the second housing so as to surround the second support member in the second recess.