FPCB Integrated Fastening via Copper Foil Merging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connection devices for electronic components, particularly those using flexible printed circuit boards (FPCBs), face challenges such as increased production costs and performance degradation due to the separate fastening portions, which can cause corrosion and hinder surface mount technology processes.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connection device with integrated fastening portions on the FPCB, where the conductive layer is used for screw fastening, simplifying the production process, reducing costs, and enhancing reliability by eliminating separate fastening members and allowing various shapes for automatic surface mount technology integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate fastening portion is provided in the FPCB, then the FPCB can be fastened to the antenna radiator, but production time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the fastening portion directly into the FPCB structure by forming a metal plate portion from the copper foil layer of the FPCB itself. This merging of the connection function and fastening function into a single integrated structure eliminates the need for separate fastening components, thereby reducing production time and costs while maintaining fastening reliability.
2Reliability
If a separate fastening portion is provided in the FPCB, then the FPCB can be fastened to the antenna radiator, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening portion is merged with the FPCB structure, utilizing the existing copper foil layer as the metal plate portion. This integration eliminates the need for separate fastening components and their associated assembly processes, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while ensuring fastening reliability through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The FPCB serves its own fastening function by incorporating the metal plate portion directly into its structure. The copper foil layer of the FPCB is formed into a plate shape that can be directly fastened to the antenna radiator, eliminating the need for external fastening components and reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Strength
If a metal fastening portion is used, then the FPCB can be fastened securely, but corrosion may occur and performance may degrade
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening portion is made from the same copper foil material that is already part of the FPCB structure. This homogeneity in material composition ensures consistent corrosion resistance properties throughout the FPCB assembly, as the copper foil is already protected by the FPCB's existing protective layers and solder mask, eliminating the need for separate corrosion protection treatments on additional metal components.
4Ease of operation
If a separate fastening portion is provided, then fastening can be achieved, but the SMT process is limited by pulling phenomenon
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening function is merged into the FPCB structure itself, creating a monolithic component that can be processed as a single unit. This integration eliminates separate fastening components that would require additional handling and assembly steps, thereby enabling full automation in the SMT process without pulling phenomenon issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The FPCB is functionally segmented into different areas: a flexible circuit portion for electrical connection and a rigid metal plate portion for fastening. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while being manufactured as an integrated component, enabling automated SMT processes to handle the entire assembly as a single unit without the pulling phenomenon associated with separate fastening components.
Data Source
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AI summary
According to certain embodiments, an electronic device comprises a first electrical structure disposed in an internal space of the electronic device; and a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) comprising a first fastening area and an extension area extended from the first fastening area, the first fastening area electrically connected to the first electrical structure, wherein the FPCB further comprises: a dielectric substrate comprising a first surface and a second surface facing in a direction opposite to that of the first surface and facing the first electrical structure; a first conductive layer disposed on the first surface of the dielectric substrate; and a first protective layer stacked on the first conductive layer, in the extension area and terminating in the first fastening area; wherein the first fastening area comprises a screw through hole for screw fastening, and at least one conductive via disposed at a periphery of the screw through hole extending from the dielectric substrate to the first conductive layer.