Flexible Wiring Board Mounting Structure with Local Reinforcement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mounting structures for wearable devices with non-flexible electronic components on flexible substrates face issues of increased non-flexible regions, leading to discomfort and loss of flexibility, as current reinforcing techniques either create large non-flexible areas or compromise flexibility.

Innovation Solution

A mounting structure featuring a connection unit on a flexible wiring board and a non-flexible component, sealed with a protection resin and reinforced with a material on the opposite side of the connection unit, covering only the connection area, to maintain flexibility and protect the connection unit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a frame-shaped reinforcing unit surrounding the component mounting region is provided in the flexible substrate, then the connection unit is protected, but the non-flexible region becomes large causing discomfort to the wearer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection unit protectionVSAvoidnon-flexible region area

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcing structure is segmented into two separate components: a connection unit protection structure that protects the connection unit, and a separate reinforcing plate that provides overall support. This segmentation allows the protection function to be isolated to only where needed, preventing the entire component region from becoming non-flexible.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The reinforcing plate is designed with local quality by positioning it to cover the connection unit region specifically, while the flexible substrate maintains its flexibility in other areas. The reinforcing plate's dimensions and positioning are optimized to provide protection only where the connection unit exists, rather than creating a large non-flexible region.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If a reinforcing plate wider than the component region is used to protect the connection unit, then the connection unit is protected, but flexibility of that portion is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection unit protectionVSAvoidflexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcing plate is designed to extend slightly beyond the connection unit boundaries to ensure complete protection, but not excessively so. This partial action approach provides adequate protection while minimizing the impact on flexibility, avoiding the need for a overly large reinforcing structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The reinforcing plate is designed as a thin, flexible structure that can bend and deform along with the flexible substrate. This allows the reinforcing plate to maintain its protective function while adapting to the flexibility requirements of the wearable device, preventing crack formation while preserving overall flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Adaptability or versatility

If the protection resin covers only the connection unit region, then flexibility is maintained, but the connection unit may not be sufficiently protected

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidconnection unit protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The protection system uses a composite structure combining the protection resin layer and the reinforcing plate. The protection resin provides sealing and environmental protection, while the reinforcing plate provides mechanical strength and structural support. This composite approach ensures sufficient protection of the connection unit while maintaining flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The protection resin is applied beforehand to seal and protect the connection unit from environmental factors, while the reinforcing plate is positioned to provide mechanical cushioning and protection. This beforehand protection approach ensures the connection unit is protected from both environmental damage and mechanical stress.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS11778749B2Mounting structure and manufacturing method of mounting structure

Publication Date: 2023.10.03 NEC CORP

AI summary

To provide a mounting structure in which a connection unit is protected and a non-flexible region is small, the mounting structure includes a flexible wiring board, a non-flexible component, and a connection unit provided in a region smaller than a bottom face of the non-flexible component and connecting the flexible wiring board and the non-flexible component. The mounting structure includes a protection resin sealing the connection unit in such a way that the flexible wiring board and the non-flexible component are separable. The protection resin covers only a region where the connection unit is provided. To a face of the flexible wiring board, being on an opposite side to the connection unit, a reinforcing material is added. The reinforcing material covers a region where the connection unit is provided and being narrower than the bottom face of the non-flexible component.