FPCB Receptacle Connector With Actuator-Free Locking Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for electronic devices face challenges such as risk of damage to actuators, increased assembly time, and reduced rigidity due to the need for larger operation spaces, which complicates the assembly and increases the size of the connector.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a receptacle with a base, support member, and nodes that securely lock a Flexible Printed Circuit Board (FPCB) contact using stoppers and nodes, eliminating the need for an actuator, thereby reducing assembly complexity and size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an actuator is disposed to maintain a connected state between male connector and female connector, then the connector can maintain a stable connected state, but the actuator is at risk of damage and increases assembly complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the actuator component from the connector structure entirely. Instead of using an actuator to maintain the connected state, the invention uses a passive locking mechanism where the plug connector's terminal automatically engages with the socket connector's terminal through a snap-fit structure, eliminating the need for an actuator while maintaining connection stability
Solution Approach 2:
The connector structure is designed to automatically lock and maintain its connected state without requiring an external actuator. The terminal's elastic deformation and the engagement structure work together to self-maintain the connected state through the natural mechanical properties of the components
2Reliability
If an actuator is used to maintain connector connection, then the connected state can be maintained, but assembly time increases due to increased operation machine-hour
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the actuator component entirely, the patent eliminates the time-consuming operations associated with actuator installation and adjustment. The simplified structure allows for faster assembly as workers only need to insert the plug connector into the socket connector, which automatically locks into place
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is divided into distinct functional components (plug connector, socket connector, terminal, engagement structure) that can be manufactured separately and assembled quickly. This modular design with the automatic locking mechanism enables rapid assembly without requiring complex actuator operations
3Reliability
If a separate actuator is disposed to base to maintain connected state, then the connector can maintain connection, but the connector requires additional operation space and increases mounting space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking function directly into the terminal structure itself, rather than using a separate actuator component. The engagement structure is integrated into the terminal, allowing the locking mechanism to operate within the existing connector footprint without requiring additional mounting space
Solution Approach 2:
By eliminating the actuator component, the patent removes the additional operation space and mounting space that would be required for actuator installation. The compact terminal structure with integrated locking mechanism fits within the original connector dimensions
4Volume of moving object
If the connector size is reduced to achieve small-sized connector, then the connector becomes more compact, but rigidity decreases and work difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal is constructed using a composite structure combining a flexible body material with a reinforcing rib structure. This allows the terminal to maintain sufficient rigidity for small-sized connector applications while still providing the necessary elasticity for the locking mechanism to function properly
5Volume of moving object
If the connector size is reduced, then the connector becomes more compact, but work difficulty increases due to decreased absolute mounting space
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into modular components (plug connector, socket connector, terminal) that can be manufactured separately using standardized processes. This segmentation allows each component to be produced with optimal tolerances and then assembled together, reducing work difficulty despite the compact overall size
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device including: a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) contact electrically connected to a first electronic component; and a receptacle electrically connected to a second electronic component and to which the FPCB contact is detachably connected, where the receptacle includes: a base including a first face facing a first direction, a second face facing a second direction away from the first direction, and a side face including one side face and another side face perpendicularly facing the first and second directions, respectively; a support member fixed to the side face, facing the first face, and configured to support a locking state of the FPCB contact; at least one first node fixed to one side of the base, exposed on the first face, and connected to a first portion of the FPCB contact; at least one second node fixed to another side of the base.