FPC Connector Cover Structure for Condensation Water Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for preventing dew condensation water from entering the connecting portion between a flexible printed circuit board and a connector, such as using resin or waterproof connectors, are costly and may not be feasible due to space restrictions.
Innovation Solution
A wiring unit design that includes a flexible printed circuit board, a connector, a holding member, and a cover, where the cover has a recess and a pressing portion to direct dew condensation water into the recess, thereby preventing it from entering the connector, and optionally integrates the holding member and cover via a hinge to reduce parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If resin material or waterproof connector is used to prevent dew condensation water entry, then reliability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
A covering member is introduced as an intermediary component between the FPC and connector assembly and the external environment. This covering member includes a pressing portion that applies force to deform the FPC, causing it to protrude into a recess and form a seal that prevents dew condensation water from reaching the connector terminals, thereby providing protection without requiring expensive resin coating or specialized waterproof connectors
Solution Approach 2:
The covering member serves as a simple, inexpensive protective component that can be easily manufactured and assembled. Rather than using costly waterproof connectors or resin materials, this approach employs a basic structural element with a pressing portion that deforms the FPC to create a protective configuration, offering cost-effective protection against environmental moisture
2Reliability
If connector and FPC arrangement is modified to suppress dew condensation water entry, then reliability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to space restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The covering member incorporates a pressing portion that dynamically deforms the FPC based on applied force, causing the FPC to bend and protrude into the recess. This dynamic deformation mechanism allows the same structure to provide effective protection while adapting to various spatial configurations and mounting conditions, maintaining reliability without restricting design flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The protective effect is achieved by changing the physical state and shape of the FPC through mechanical deformation. The pressing portion applies force to alter the FPC's configuration, making it protrude into the recess and form a seal. This parameter change in the FPC's shape allows the system to provide protection while maintaining adaptability to different space arrangements
3Reliability
If FPC is deformed to enter recess for waterproofing, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing portion is pre-configured with a specific shape and positioning to apply force at the appropriate location on the FPC. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when the covering member is installed, the FPC is automatically deformed into the correct configuration and protrudes into the recess to form an effective seal, reducing the need for complex precision control during manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The recess structure is designed in advance to receive and accommodate the deformed FPC. The shape, size, and position of the recess are pre-configured to match the expected deformation of the FPC under the pressing force, providing a tolerance buffer that accommodates normal manufacturing variations while ensuring reliable protection against dew condensation water
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a wiring unit including a flexible printed circuit board having a first surface and a second surface, a connector, a holding member, and a cover, the flexible printed circuit board has wirings; the connector has a housing case and terminals, the connector is connected to the first surface at one end side in a longitudinal direction of the flexible printed circuit board, the terminals are connected to the wirings on the other end side in the longitudinal direction from the housing case; the holding member is provided to hold the flexible printed circuit board on the second surface; the holding member has a recess on the other end side in the longitudinal direction from the terminals, and the cover has a pressing portion to press and make a part of the flexible printed circuit board enter the recess.