FPC Connector Cam Actuator Eliminates Metal Beam
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for flexible printed circuits and flat cables require a metal beam to apply pressure to the terminal, increasing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a housing with convexities and an actuator with a cam mechanism that sandwiches the flat cable between the cam and terminal, eliminating the need for a metal beam by using a cam fitting and axle system to apply contact pressure, and includes features like U-shaped grooves and protrusions to secure the actuator in position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metal beam is disposed to support the actuator and apply pressure to the terminal, then contact pressure between the terminal and flat cable is assured, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the metal beam component from the connector structure. Instead of using a separate metal beam to support the actuator and apply pressure to the terminal, the design integrates the pressure application function directly into the actuator mechanism through the cam and convexity interaction, thereby reducing device complexity and manufacturing cost while maintaining contact pressure assurance
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator is designed to self-generate the necessary pressure force through its own cam mechanism interacting with the housing convexity. The cam profile automatically converts the actuator's rotational motion into linear pressure force on the terminal, eliminating the need for external metal beam support and making the system self-sufficient
2Force
If a metal beam is disposed to support the actuator, then pressure force is applied to the terminal, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the metal beam component from the assembly, eliminating the need for additional metal parts, assembly steps, and associated manufacturing costs. The pressure force generation is achieved through the cam mechanism integrated into the actuator and housing
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the mechanism of force generation from a metal beam-based mechanical leverage system to a cam-based geometric transformation system. The cam profile parameters are designed to provide the necessary pressure force characteristics, replacing the metal beam's function with a different mechanical principle that reduces manufacturing complexity
3Ease of operation
If rotating support points are disposed on the housing and actuator, then rotation is enabled, but no pressure force is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the rotation support function and pressure force generation into a single integrated mechanism. The cam profile on the actuator and corresponding convexity on the housing work together to simultaneously enable rotation and generate pressure force, eliminating the limitation where rotation support points only provide rotational capability without force generation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamic force generation through the cam mechanism. As the actuator rotates, the cam profile dynamically converts rotational motion into linear pressure force on the terminal. This dynamic mechanism ensures that pressure force is generated throughout the rotation process, unlike static support points that only enable rotation
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
Ensures consistent contact pressure between the terminal and flat cable without a metal beam, inhibits actuator drop, and increases contact pressure through terminal deformation, enhancing reliability and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
an axle disposed in one of the convexity and the concavity is inserted into a bearing disposed in the other
Implementation Method 2
the actuator has a cam fitting between the convexity and the terminal, and is disposed so as to be able to turn between a sandwiched position at which a flat cable is sandwiched between the cam and the terminal
Implementation Method 3
the terminal is disposed flexibly deformably in a direction approaching the convexity. As a result, contact pressure between the terminal and the flat cable is increased by the plastic deformation of the terminal
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a connector capable of assuring contact pressure between a terminal and a flat cable without disposing a metal beam supporting an actuator. In the connector of the Present Application, a housing has a convexity-opposing a terminal, and an actuator has a concavity mating with the convexity. An axle disposed in the concavity is inserted into a bearing disposed on the convexity. The actuator has a cam fitting between the convexity and the terminal, and is disposed so as to be able to turn between a sandwiched position at which a flat cable is sandwiched between the cam and the terminal and a release position at which the sandwiching is released.