Flexible Printed Circuit Connector Alignment With Positioning Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector structures for flexible printed circuits require high finishing accuracy to ensure proper positioning, which can be challenging and costly to achieve.
Innovation Solution
A connector structure that includes a positioning projection and an insertion hole in the flexible printed circuit, allowing the projection to align the circuit with the connector body, reducing the need for precise finishing accuracy by compensating for deviations in the insertion hole shape and size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If high finishing accuracy is required for the flexible printed circuit edges and insertion end to achieve appropriate positioning, then the positioning precision is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A positioning projection is introduced as an intermediary element between the flexible printed circuit and the connector body. The projection fits into a positioning hole to establish precise relative positioning, eliminating the need for high finishing accuracy on the flexible printed circuit edges and insertion end. This mediator component absorbs the positioning function, simplifying the manufacturing requirements for the flexible printed circuit while maintaining accurate alignment.
2Reliability
If high finishing accuracy is required for the flexible printed circuit, then the contact reliability is improved, but the productivity decreases due to stricter quality control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning projection acts as a mediator that guarantees reliable contact between the flexible printed circuit and connector body without requiring high finishing accuracy. By transferring the positioning function to this separate component, the manufacturing process becomes more efficient with fewer rejections and less rework, thereby improving productivity while maintaining contact reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning function is segmented from the flexible printed circuit itself and implemented through a separate positioning projection component. This segmentation allows the flexible printed circuit to be manufactured with relaxed tolerances, improving production efficiency, while the positioning projection ensures proper alignment and contact reliability when assembled with the connector body.
3Measurement precision
If the positioning is achieved through precise finishing of the flexible printed circuit, then the alignment accuracy is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning projection serves as an intermediary that provides alignment accuracy without requiring precise finishing of the flexible printed circuit. The projection's geometry and fit into the positioning hole establish the correct alignment, while the flexible printed circuit can be manufactured using standard, simpler processes, thereby improving manufacturing simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector structure (1) includes a connector (100) and a flexible printed circuit (200). The connector (100) includes a connector body (110) having a terminal portion (116) and a positioning projection (120) configured to position the flexible printed circuit (200) relative to the connector body (110) so as to bring an electrode portion (222) into contact with the terminal portion (116) at a right position being set in advance. An insertion hole (210h) through which the positioning projection (120) is inserted is formed in the flexible printed circuit (200) at a position spaced from the electrode portion (222). As the positioning projection (120) is inserted gradually into the insertion hole (210h), the positioning projection (120) moves the flexible printed circuit (200) so that the flexible printed circuit (200) is aligned with the right position.