Flexible PCB Terminal Layout for Angled ZIF Connector Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible printed circuit boards (FPCBs) with zigzag terminal arrangements can cause short circuits when not fully connected or connected at an angle to zero insertion force (ZIF) connectors, leading to damage of connected components.
Innovation Solution
The FPCB design includes a terminal arrangement structure with alternate extension regions to enhance rigidity and prevent short circuits during incomplete or angled connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If terminals are arranged in a zigzag form to reduce pitch, then the pitch between terminals is reduced, but short circuit risk increases when connection is incomplete or angled
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal arrangement is segmented into distinct groups: first terminals on one side and second terminals on the other side, with clear spatial separation. This segmentation prevents the contact point from simultaneously contacting both first and second terminals during incomplete or angled insertion, thereby eliminating the short circuit risk while maintaining reduced pitch through the zigzag configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial intermediary zone between the first terminals and second terminals. This intermediary space acts as a buffer that prevents direct electrical connection between opposite-polarity terminals during the insertion process, allowing the zigzag arrangement to maintain small pitch without creating short circuit hazards.
2Area of stationary object
If terminals are arranged in a zigzag form, then space utilization is improved, but connection reliability deteriorates during incomplete insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal groups are segmented and positioned in distinct spatial zones, with first terminals occupying one region and second terminals occupying another region. This segmentation allows efficient space utilization through the zigzag pattern while ensuring that incomplete insertion only engages one terminal group at a time, maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal groups are pre-positioned in specific spatial arrangements before insertion occurs. The first terminals and second terminals are preliminarily arranged in separate zones, so that during the insertion process, the contact point naturally engages one group first, preventing premature or simultaneous engagement of both groups and ensuring reliable connection progression.
3Reliability
If terminals are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction, then short circuit risk is reduced, but the compactness of the circuit board decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The terminals are arranged in a zigzag (curved) pattern rather than a straight linear arrangement. This curvature allows the terminals to be spaced apart longitudinally to reduce short circuit risk while utilizing the width direction more effectively, thereby maintaining overall compactness of the circuit board through optimized spatial utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal arrangement transitions from a one-dimensional linear spacing approach to a two-dimensional zigzag configuration. By utilizing both the longitudinal and width directions, the design achieves adequate longitudinal spacing for reliability while maintaining compactness through efficient use of available space in the width direction.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
According to various embodiments of the disclosure, an electronic device may include a printed circuit board; a connector disposed on one surface of the printed circuit board and including a first contact portion and a second contact portion spaced apart from the first contact portion; and a flexible printed circuit board at least a part of which is connected to the connector. The flexible printed circuit board may include two first areas formed on one surface of the flexible printed circuit board and each having a length in a width direction from one side or the other side of the one surface; and a second area formed between the two first areas.