Flexible PCB Routing for Sliding Camera in Electronic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electronic devices with flexible displays and cameras, the complex circuit configurations required for sliding operations lead to increased power loss and degradation of electromagnetic interference (EMI) characteristics due to the lengthened electric paths and the need for additional inner space.
Innovation Solution
A flexible display device with a less complex structure that includes a first housing, a slidable second housing, a main printed circuit board (PCB), and a camera module connected via a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) that moves as the second housing slides, maintaining electrical connectivity while reducing power loss and EMI degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If an electronic component is mounted inside the housing to form an electric path between camera and main PCB, then the electric path is formed, but power loss increases due to lengthened electric path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) instead of a rigid PCB to connect the camera module. The FPCB can dynamically bend and flex as the display module slides in and out, maintaining electrical connectivity without requiring complex sliding mechanisms or additional connectors. This dynamic flexibility reduces the overall complexity of the circuit configuration while minimizing power loss through optimized signal paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flexible display module that can slide in and out of the housing. The FPCB connecting the camera module leverages this flexibility, allowing the circuit board to bend and adapt to the changing spatial configuration. This flexible film approach eliminates the need for complex rigid circuit configurations and reduces power loss by maintaining shorter, more direct electrical paths throughout the sliding operation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If an electronic component is mounted inside the housing to form an electric path between camera and main PCB, then the electric path is formed, but EMI characteristics are degraded by sliding operations
Solution Approach 1:
The FPCB provides dynamic flexibility that allows the camera module to slide in and out freely while maintaining stable electrical connectivity. The flexible nature of the FPCB prevents signal interference and EMI that would occur with rigid connectors during sliding operations, thus improving EMI characteristics without compromising the ease of sliding operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible display module and FPCB combination creates a smooth, continuous electrical path that remains stable during sliding operations. This flexible film structure prevents discontinuities and impedance mismatches that would otherwise cause EMI, allowing the sliding operation to proceed easily while maintaining good EMI characteristics.
3Volume of stationary object
If an electronic component is mounted inside the housing to form an electric path between camera and main PCB, then the electric path is formed, but inner space needs to be established for components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the camera module directly into the flexible display assembly, combining multiple functions into a single sliding unit. The FPCB is incorporated into the display module structure itself, eliminating the need for separate mounting spaces and complex structural arrangements. This merging approach preserves inner space while reducing overall structure complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible FPCB allows the camera module to be positioned in a space-efficient manner within the sliding display assembly. The dynamic flexibility of the FPCB enables compact routing of electrical connections without requiring additional clearance or structural support, thus preserving inner space and simplifying the overall device structure.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device is provided that includes a first housing, a second housing configured to be slidable from the first housing, and a main printed circuit board (PCB) disposed inside the first housing and including a processor mounted therein. The electronic device also includes a camera module disposed in the second housing, and a display module. The display module includes a display having a first region exposed externally and a second region within an internal space of the first housing, while in a slide-in state of the second housing. The display module also includes a first flexible PCB (FPCB) connected to the main PCB. At least a portion of the first FPCB is movable as the second housing slides out from the first housing. The camera module is electrically connected to the first FPCB to transmit and receive electrical signals to and from the processor mounted on the main PCB.