FPC Connector With Tuning-Fork Contacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for FPCs with multi-pin contacts and small pitches face challenges in maintaining an open/closed position without deforming the synthetic resin cover housing, leading to increased production costs due to the need for integrally molded metal members.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring alternately arranged first and second contacts within a housing, where the first contacts have an elastic arm and the second contacts are tuning-fork shaped, allowing for complete switching without deforming the cover housing, made entirely of synthetic resin, by utilizing a cam mechanism to distribute force evenly and maintain the open/closed position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a connector uses a synthetic resin cover housing for multi-pin contacts with small pitches, then production cost is reduced, but the cover housing deforms under pressing force and cannot maintain the open/closed position
Solution Approach 1:
The contact structure is segmented into two types: first contacts with elastic arms that press against the FPC, and second contacts with tuning-fork shaped structures (long arm and short arm) that engage with the cover housing. This segmentation distributes the pressing force across multiple contact points and structural elements, preventing deformation of the synthetic resin cover housing while maintaining the open/closed position stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The tuning-fork shaped second contacts act as counterbalancing elements. The long arm and short arm create a lever system that balances the pressing force applied to the FPC, preventing excessive force from deforming the cover housing. This counterbalancing mechanism allows the synthetic resin cover housing to maintain its position without requiring metal reinforcement.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a connector uses integrally molded metal members to prevent cover housing deformation, then position stability is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the structural parameters of the contacts rather than changing the material of the cover housing. By designing first contacts with elastic arms and second contacts with tuning-fork shapes, the system achieves the necessary mechanical strength and position stability through geometric configuration rather than material substitution. This allows continued use of cost-effective synthetic resin while maintaining performance.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a connector uses first contacts with elastic arms and second contacts with tuning-fork shapes, then force distribution is improved and cover housing deformation is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first contacts and second contacts are alternately arranged and work together as an integrated system. The elastic arms of the first contacts and the tuning-fork shapes of the second contacts are combined in an alternating pattern, creating a unified force distribution mechanism that achieves uniform pressure across the FPC while maintaining manageable structural complexity through repetition and alternation.
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 connector effectively maintains the open/closed position without deforming the synthetic resin cover housing, reducing production costs and ensuring reliable electrical contact, even with small pitch contacts, by distributing force evenly through the cam mechanism and tuning-fork shaped contacts.
Implementation Method 1
each of the first contacts includes a first fixing arm and a first horizontal arm opposing each other, a first connection leg for connecting base ends of the first fixing arm and the first horizontal arm to each other, an elastic arm extending between the first fixing arm and the first horizontal arm
Implementation Method 2
The connector design featuring alternately arranged first and second contacts within a housing, where the first contacts have an elastic arm and the second contacts are tuning-fork shaped, allowing for complete switching without deforming the cover housing, made entirely of synthetic resin, by utilizing a cam mechanism to distribute force evenly and maintain the open/closed position
Data Source
AI summary
A connector of upper contact type for an FPC comprising a cover housing constituted of synthetic resin alone. The housing includes first contacts and second contacts alternately arranged in parallel on a line. Each of the first contacts has an elastic arm coming into contact with an upper contact point of FPC when the cover housing is closed. On the other hand, each of the second contacts has a tuning-fork-shaped contact constituted of a pair of a short arm and a long arm, the short arm coming into contact with the upper contact point of the FPC so that the tuning-fork-shaped contact may exert a coupled force on the FPC when the cover housing is closed. With such a configuration, this connector reduces deformation of the cover housing while eliminating use of any reinforcing metal member in the cover housing.