Flexible Wiring Connector with Leaf Spring and Independent Holding Member

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connectors for sheet-like wiring members, such as flexible printed circuits (FPC), have complex structures that occupy significant space and are costly, making them unsuitable for use on circuit boards due to their large size and high expense.

Innovation Solution

A simplified wiring connection structural body featuring a flexible sheet-like insulator with exposed wires, a conductive leaf spring, and a holding member that secures the wiring member to the circuit board independently of the leaf spring, along with a reinforcing board that stabilizes the insulator, allowing for cost-effective and compact assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a connector with a mechanism to secure the sheet-like wiring member is used, then the wiring connection is reliable, but the structure becomes complex and large in size

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewiring connection reliabilityVSAvoidconnector structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into two independent components: a holding member that secures the wiring member and a leaf spring that provides electrical contact. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function simply without requiring a complex integrated structure, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The securing mechanism is extracted from the traditional connector structure and implemented as a separate holding member that can be independently designed and manufactured. This extraction eliminates the need for complex integrated mechanisms, reducing structural complexity while ensuring reliable wiring connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If a connector with a mechanism to secure the sheet-like wiring member is used, then the wiring connection is reliable, but the connector occupies wide space on the circuit board

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewiring connection reliabilityVSAvoidconnector occupied area

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the connector into separate holding member and leaf spring components, each can be miniaturized independently. The holding member uses a simple clamp structure that requires minimal space, while the leaf spring is a thin flexible component, together occupying significantly less board area than traditional integrated connectors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The leaf spring is implemented as a thin flexible metallic film that provides both electrical contact and mechanical securing functions. This thin-film approach dramatically reduces the vertical profile and horizontal footprint of the connector, minimizing the space occupied on the circuit board while maintaining connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If a connector with a complex mechanism is used, then the wiring connection is reliable, but the connector becomes more expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewiring connection reliabilityVSAvoidconnector manufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Dividing the connector into separate holding member and leaf spring allows each to be manufactured using simple, cost-effective processes. The holding member can be molded from plastic, and the leaf spring can be stamped from metal foil, avoiding the need for expensive precision machining or assembly of complex mechanisms, thereby reducing overall manufacturing cost while ensuring reliable connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connector uses inexpensive materials such as molded plastic for the holding member and stamped metal foil for the leaf spring. These simple, mass-producible components replace expensive precision-machined parts, significantly reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining sufficient reliability for the application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution reduces the size and cost of the connector while maintaining stability and precision, enabling efficient assembly of capacitive input devices with simplified structures and reduced material complexity.

Implementation Method 1

a conductive leaf spring mounted on the component-side surface of the circuit board

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3291377B1Wiring connection structural body and capacitive input device

Publication Date: 2020.03.18 ALPS ALPINE CO LTD

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AI summary

A wiring connection structural body has: a wiring member (20) that includes an insulator (21), which is flexible and is formed like a sheet, and wires (22) formed on the insulator (21), at least part of each wire (22) being exposed from the insulator (21); a circuit board (40); conductive leaf springs (50) mounted on the component-side surface (41) of the circuit board (40); and a holding member (60) that holds at least part of each wiring member (20) to the circuit board (40) so that the contact electrode (23), exposed from the insulator (21), of each wire (22) is retained at a position at which the contact electrode (23) is pressed by the leaf spring (50). The leaf spring (50) and holding member (60) are independent of each other.