Foldable Electronic Control Device With Disconnecting PCBs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional foldable electronic control devices face challenges in reducing costs and improving durability due to complex configurations and direct board-to-board connections, which incur unnecessary material and labor costs.
Innovation Solution
A foldable electronic control device design featuring a housing with a flexible printed circuit (FPC) cable that connects and disconnects PCBs based on the housing's folded or unfolded state, eliminating the need for direct board connections and separate connectors or soldering, using snap fitting and backing rods for structural support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If connectors or separate cables are used to connect PCBs in a stack, then electrical connectivity between boards is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical connection function directly into the PCB stack structure itself. The connecting portions are integrated into the PCB layers, eliminating the need for separate connectors or cables. Multiple PCBs are stacked and connected through these integrated connecting portions, achieving electrical connectivity while simplifying the overall device structure.
2Reliability
If connectors and separate cables are used to connect PCBs, then electrical connectivity is established, but material costs and labor hours increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure is merged with the PCB manufacturing process itself. The connecting portions are formed as integral parts of the PCB layers through standard PCB fabrication techniques, eliminating the need for separate connector components and assembly steps. This integration reduces both material costs (fewer components) and labor costs (simplified assembly).
3Reliability
If PCBs are connected in a stack using traditional methods, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but durability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure is merged with the rigid PCB substrate, creating a durable integrated connection. The connecting portions are formed within the PCB layers themselves rather than being separate attached components, which strengthens the mechanical bond and improves overall durability while maintaining electrical connectivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable electronic control device includes a housing having a body and a cover configured to be opened and closed in a foldable manner. First and second boards are fastened to the body and the cover, respectively, and configured to be disconnected from each other when the housing is unfolded and connected to each other in a stacked state when the housing is folded. A flexible cable electrically connects the first board and the second board when the housing is folded.