Flexible Wiring Board Restricting Structure for Stress-Free Display Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display device assembly processes for flexible wiring boards are complicated and prone to damage due to excessive pulling forces, leading to potential damage at the connecting portion between the display panel and the flexible wiring board.

Innovation Solution

A restricting device for flexible wiring boards that includes edge and protruding portions, with a rear, front, and inner restricting portions, allowing the wiring board to be inserted along its surface without bending, thereby preventing excessive movement and stress during assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the flexible wiring board is inserted into the holder during assembly, then the connecting portion can be connected to the connector, but excessive pulling force may damage the connecting portion or crack the display panel

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly processVSAvoidconnecting portion integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The restricting device is pre-installed in the holder before the flexible wiring board insertion. The restricting portions (rear restricting portion, front restricting portion, and inner restricting portion) are positioned in advance to define a restricting region that will limit the movement of the protruding portion during assembly, preventing excessive pulling force from reaching the connecting portion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The restricting device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the flexible wiring board and the holder. It mediates the insertion process by providing a controlled path through the restricting region, allowing the protruding portion to pass through while preventing excessive movement that would damage the connecting portion or display panel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a restricting device is provided in the holder to prevent excessive movement, then damage to the connecting portion is prevented, but the assembly process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnecting portion protectionVSAvoidholder structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The restricting device is segmented into multiple functional portions: a rear restricting portion, a front restricting portion, and an inner restricting portion. Each portion serves a specific function in guiding and limiting the movement of the protruding portion. This segmentation allows the complex protection function to be achieved through modular, manageable components that can be integrated into the holder structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If the protruding portion is restricted from moving in the insertion direction, then excessive stress on the connecting portion is prevented, but the insertion process requires precise positioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestress preventionVSAvoidinsertion positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The restricting device provides localized control at different positions along the insertion path. The rear restricting portion, front restricting portion, and inner restricting portion create zones with different restriction characteristics. The restricting region between the rear and front portions allows controlled movement, while the inner restricting portion provides additional localized guidance, enabling precise positioning without excessive stress.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4542293B1Restricting device for flexible wiring board and display device using the restricting device
Publication Date: 2026.04.01 ALPS ALPINE CO LTD
  • EP4542293B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4542293B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4542293B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A restricting device for a flexible wiring board includes an insertion portion into which at least both side portions of the flexible wiring board are inserted. The insertion portion includes: a rear restricting portions protruding in a thickness direction of the flexible wiring board; a front restricting portion located forward of the rear restricting portion in an insertion direction; a restricting region formed between the front restricting portion and the rear restricting portion, and an inner restricting portion located further inward than the rear restricting portion with respect to a width direction of the flexible wiring board and protruding in a direction opposite to a protruding direction of the rear restricting portion. The protruding portion passes over the rear restricting portion and is restricted from moving in a front-rear direction in the restricting region while the flexible wiring board is being inserted into the insertion portion.