Flexible Board Rigid Board Assembly Locking Gap

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for attaching flexible printed circuits (FPCs) to printed circuit boards (PCBs) are inefficient, as they do not provide a secure connection, leading to complex assembly processes and reduced work efficiency due to the lack of a robust attachment mechanism.

Innovation Solution

The integration of a sub-board with increased hardness, which is inserted into a locking gap on the PCB and has preventing arms that secure the flexible board in place, allowing for tool-free assembly by resisting and locating the FPC within the locking gap, thereby enhancing the attachment strength.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the FPC is attached to the PCB through SMT or connector, then the assembly process can be completed, but the attachment is not tight and electrical transmission is influenced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment tightnessVSAvoidassembly process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the attachment function into multiple components: the FPC with its base portion, the sub-board with standing portion, and the rigid board with locking gap. Each component has a specific function, and together they achieve tight attachment without complex assembly processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sub-board is inserted into the locking gap of the rigid board, and the FPC is attached to the sub-board. This nested structure allows the FPC to be firmly accommodated within the rigid board through multiple levels of insertion and engagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Productivity

If conventional FPC assembly methods are used, then the FPC can be connected to electronic equipment, but particular tools must be taken away and working processes become complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvework efficiencyVSAvoidassembly process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking gap structure and preventing arms enable the FPC to be attached to the rigid board through self-alignment and self-securing mechanisms. The base portion and standing portion automatically locate and hold the FPC in place without requiring external tools or complex procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Weight of moving object

If the FPC is made lighter and thinner, then the electronic products become lighter and thinner, but the attachment strength to PCB is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveFPC weightVSAvoidattachment strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention creates a composite attachment structure combining the FPC material, sub-board material, and rigid board material. This composite structure provides enhanced attachment strength while maintaining the FPC's lightweight and thin characteristics, as each material contributes its specific properties to the overall assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS7710740B2Assembly structure of flexible board and rigid board
Publication Date: 2010.05.04 CHENG UEI PRECISION IND CO LTD
  • US7710740B2 patent drawing
  • US7710740B2 patent drawing
  • US7710740B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An assembly structure of flexible board and rigid board includes a rigid board, a sub-board and a flexible board. The rigid board defines a locking gap having two side surfaces projecting toward each other to form two resisting portions. The sub-board has a standing portion inserted in the locking gap. Bilateral sides of the standing portion extend outward to form two preventing arms against a bottom surface of the rigid board. The flexible board has a base portion inserted in the locking gap of the rigid board. The base portion has a front surface and a back surface located to a front surface of the sub-board. The front surface of the base portion is against the resisting portions.