FPC Connector with Elastic Holding for Visual Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultra-small connectors for flexible printed circuits (FPCs) face challenges in determining correct positioning, leading to potential false connections due to the lack of visual feedback on insertion alignment, especially in miniaturized designs with many connecting portions.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a base with insertion holes and a support fitting that includes an elastic temporary holding portion visible from the upper surface, allowing for visual confirmation of correct engagement and preventing false connections through an operation lever mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the connector is miniaturized to reduce size, then the connector dimensions are reduced, but the ability to visually determine correct FPC positioning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by making the elastic temporary holding portion visible from the upper surface through a transparent or translucent base. The elastic portion can be distinguished by its material properties (transparency, color, or texture differences) from surrounding components, enabling visual confirmation of correct FPC positioning even in miniaturized connectors with dimensions of 5mm width, 3mm depth, and 1mm height.
2Productivity
If the connector is miniaturized with many connecting portions arranged in small dimensions, then the connector achieves higher integration, but the possibility of false connection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by making the engagement state of the elastic temporary holding portion visually observable from the upper surface. When the FPC is correctly inserted, the elastic portion engages with the FPC's terminal end, and this engagement state can be visually confirmed through the transparent base. This immediate visual feedback allows operators to verify correct positioning before final connection, preventing false connections in miniaturized high-density connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic temporary holding portion performs preliminary action by temporarily holding the FPC in the correct positioned state before final connection is made. This temporary holding mechanism ensures proper alignment is achieved and maintained during the connection process, allowing verification of correct positioning before the connection is finalized, thereby preventing false connections.
3Ease of operation
If an inner side beam portion merely moves up and down for temporary holding, then the temporary holding function is achieved, but visual determination of correct positioning becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by making the engagement state observable from the upper surface (top view) rather than only from the side. The elastic temporary holding portion is positioned and designed so its engagement with the FPC can be viewed from above through the transparent base, adding a vertical observation dimension that complements the horizontal engagement mechanism, thereby enabling visual confirmation without complicating the up-down movement function.
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
The design enhances connection reliability and workability by providing clear visual feedback on correct positioning, reducing the likelihood of false connections and improving assembly accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic temporary holding portion capable of being elastically engaged to a temporary holding cutout portion arranged on both side edges of a distal end of the flexible printed circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A connector has a base having an opening formed at a front surface of the base, to which a distal end of a flexible printed circuit is inserted, a plurality of insertion holes passing from the front surface to a rear surface arranged in a line at a predetermined pitch, and a fit-in recess at an upper surface of the base, a connection terminal press-fit into the insertion hole of the base from a side, a support fitting assembled to the fit-in recess of the base from an upper side, and including an elastic temporary holding portion capable of engaging a temporary holding cutout portion arranged on both side edges of the distal end of the flexible printed circuit, and an operation lever for supporting a turning shaft portion arranged at both side ends at a bearing of the support fitting in a turnable manner, and driving the connection terminal.