Foldable FPCB Hinge Layout for Stable Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Foldable electronic devices face challenges in reliably positioning flexible printed circuit boards due to assembly deviations, affecting the stability and reliability of connected structures.

Innovation Solution

A foldable electronic device design that includes a flexible printed circuit board with improved positioning mechanisms, ensuring stable alignment and connection of components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible printed circuit board is disposed in an inner space of the foldable electronic device across a folding portion, then the device achieves foldability and compact structure, but assembly deviation makes it difficult to reliably position the flexible printed circuit board and connected structures

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefoldabilityVSAvoidpositioning reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming recesses in the first and second housings at positions that correspond to the flexible printed circuit board's location before assembly. These recesses are prepared in advance with precise dimensions and orientations that guide the FPCB into correct positioning, compensating for potential assembly deviations and ensuring reliable connection without requiring high-precision manual alignment during assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Volume of moving object

If the flexible printed circuit board is connected to housings across a folding portion, then the device achieves compact folded configuration, but assembly position deviation affects the stability of connected structures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefolded volumeVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent pre-forms recesses in the housings before assembly that are dimensioned and oriented to receive the flexible printed circuit board. These pre-prepared recesses provide a guiding structure that maintains the FPCB's position stability during assembly and operation, preventing displacement that would compromise structural integrity while enabling compact folded configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The recesses act as intermediary structures between the housings and the flexible printed circuit board. These recesses provide a mediating interface that accommodates minor assembly deviations while maintaining stable connection, serving as a buffer that ensures structural stability without requiring precise direct alignment between housing components and the FPCB.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4336809B1Foldable electronic device comprising flexible printed circuit board
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4336809B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4336809B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4336809B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

According to an example embodiment of the disclosure, disclosed is a foldable electronic device, the foldable electronic device including: a foldable housing including a first housing, a second housing, and a hinge portion connecting the first housing and the second housing; a flexible printed circuit board electrically connecting a first element disposed in the first housing and a second element disposed in the second housing, the flexible printed circuit board being disposed across the hinge portion, in which the flexible printed circuit board includes: a first area including a first connector end electrically connected to the first element; a second area including a second connector end electrically connected to the second element, the second area being disposed across the hinge portion; a third area disposed between the first area and the second area, the third area including a first portion extending in a first direction and a second portion extending in a second direction to the second area, the second direction being different from the first direction, wherein the first area and the third area are disposed in the first housing; and a rigid portion configured to connect the first area or the third area extending toward the hinge portion to the first housing.