Integrated FPC-to-PCB Connector Cap for Low-Height Wiring

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical wiring solutions for flexible printed circuits (FPCs) in limited spaces, such as aircraft interiors, are complex, time-consuming, and require multiple connector parts, which are cumbersome and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A connection interface with a single connector cap featuring first and second contact areas arranged next to each other, allowing direct FPC to PCB connection without duplication, reducing the number of loose elements and overall height, and enabling automatic production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a two-part connector solution with separate male and female connectors is used, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but device complexity and number of parts increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of connector parts
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the male and female connector parts into a single integrated connector cap that contains both contact areas (first contact area for FPC connection and second contact area for PCB connection). This merging eliminates the need for separate connector components while maintaining reliable electrical connection functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector cap serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides both male and female connection interfaces, houses the electrical contacts, provides structural support, and enables direct signal transmission between FPC and PCB through its integrated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If traditional pin connections with multiple connector parts are used, then electrical wiring requirements are met, but weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewiring connection capabilityVSAvoidconnector weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By merging multiple connector parts into a single integrated connector cap, the total material用量 is reduced, directly decreasing the weight of the wiring connection assembly while maintaining all necessary electrical connection capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If separate male and female connectors are used, then adequate contact areas are provided, but overall height and assembly space increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact area sufficiencyVSAvoidoverall connector height
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent arranges the first and second contact areas in neighboring regions on the same connector cap, utilizing lateral spatial arrangement rather than vertical stacking. This dimensional reorganization reduces the overall height requirement while providing sufficient contact areas for both FPC and PCB connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple loose connector elements are used, then connection flexibility is achieved, but ease of operation and assembly deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection flexibilityVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The integration of all connector elements into a single connector cap eliminates the need for assembling multiple loose parts, significantly improving ease of operation and assembly while maintaining connection flexibility through the cap's design that accommodates both FPC and PCB interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12615715B2Connection interface for connecting a flexible printed circuit board
Publication Date: 2026.04.28 AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
  • US12615715B2 patent drawing
  • US12615715B2 patent drawing
  • US12615715B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A connection interface for connecting a flexible printed circuit to an electrical equipment and a printed circuit board, comprising a first contact area configured to receive signals from the flexible printed circuit, a second contact area configured to transmit the signals from the first contact area to the printed circuit board, and a connector cap configured to transmit the signals from the first contact area to the second contact area. The first contact area and the second contact area are arranged in neighbored areas at the connector cap.