Flexible PCB Lateral Shift Accommodation for Connector Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in coupling signal paths in printed circuits to electrical components mounted on a rigid support structure, where manufacturing variations make it difficult to mate connectors without damage due to fixed positions of components.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of lateral shift accommodation structures, which include flexible support arms or elongated slot-shaped openings in the printed circuit, allows for lateral movement and accommodation of positional variations between connectors on the printed circuit and electrical components, ensuring successful mating without damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If electrical components are mounted to a rigid support structure in fixed positions, then structural stability is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to inability to accommodate positional variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces flexible circuits and flexible connectors that can dynamically adjust their position to accommodate manufacturing variations. The flexible circuit board can bend and deform elastically to compensate for positional misalignments between connectors and electrical components, while the rigid support structure maintains its stability. This dynamic flexibility resolves the contradiction between structural stability and manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and mechanical properties of the connection system by introducing flexible elements with specific elastic moduli and bending stiffness. These parameter changes allow the connectors to adapt their position within certain limits to accommodate manufacturing variations, while the overall rigid support structure maintains its structural integrity and stability.
2Reliability
If connectors are rigidly coupled to electrical components, then connection reliability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to inability to accommodate manufacturing variations
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible connector provides dynamic adaptability by allowing positional adjustments through elastic deformation. This enables the connector to adapt to manufacturing variations while maintaining reliable electrical contact. The flexibility is controlled and limited to ensure connection reliability is not compromised.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible circuit boards and flexible connector elements that function as thin, deformable structures. These flexible elements can bend and flex to accommodate positional misalignments between connectors and electrical components, providing adaptability without sacrificing connection reliability through proper design of the flexible structure's mechanical properties.
3Adaptability or versatility
If flexible structures are introduced to accommodate lateral shifts, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the flexible circuit board with the connector assembly, integrating the lateral shift accommodation function directly into the existing connection structure. This combination approach avoids adding separate complex accommodation mechanisms and reduces overall device complexity while still providing the necessary adaptability for lateral shifts.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible circuit board serves multiple functions: it provides electrical connections, accommodates lateral shifts through elastic deformation, and simplifies the assembly process. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving lateral shift accommodation.
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 enables reliable and damage-free connection of signal paths to electrical components, accommodating manufacturing variations and ensuring proper alignment and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The lateral shift accommodation structures may be formed from flexible structures having flexible support arms or other members that are interposed between the electrical components and the electrical component connectors
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device may have a rigid support structure to which electrical components are mounted. The rigid support structure may be an electronic device housing structure such as a housing wall having openings that receive the electrical components. The electrical components may have electrical component connectors. A printed circuit board may be used to convey signals for the electrical components. Connectors may be mounted to the printed circuit board. Lateral shift accommodation structures may be formed between the electrical component connectors and the electrical components or in the vicinity of the connectors on the printed circuit to allow the connectors on the printed circuit to mate with the electrical component connectors of the rigidly mounted electrical components.