FPCB Support Structure Preventing Connector Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices with flexible printed circuit boards (FPCBs) are prone to separation from connectors due to shocks, leading to connectivity issues and reduced durability.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a reinforcement member and support structure with adhesive members to secure the FPCB between the printed circuit board and the connector, preventing separation and enhancing maintainability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a flexible printed circuit board is used to connect components, then flexibility and ease of installation are improved, but reliability deteriorates due to separation from connectors under shock

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installationVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support member is pre-installed between the FPCB and connector before assembly, creating a preliminary protective structure that prevents separation under shock while maintaining the FPCB's flexibility and ease of installation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The support member acts as an intermediary element between the FPCB and connector, providing mechanical reinforcement that prevents direct separation while allowing the FPCB to maintain its flexible characteristics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the FPCB is secured with additional support members and adhesive members, then reliability is improved by preventing separation, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is segmented into distinct components (support member, first adhesive member, second adhesive member) that can be independently manufactured and assembled, making the complex structure manageable and manufacturable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support member combines multiple functions into a single component: it provides mechanical reinforcement, positioning alignment, and shock absorption, while working with adhesive members to create an integrated support system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Duration of action of stationary object

If the FPCB is reinforced to prevent separation, then durability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The support member is pre-installed during the manufacturing process before final assembly, allowing for quality control inspection and ensuring proper positioning before the FPCB is permanently secured to the connector

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The manufacturing process is segmented into distinct steps: installing the support member, applying adhesive members, and securing the FPCB to the connector, making the manufacturing process more manageable and controllable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution effectively restricts FPCB separation from connectors, improving the durability and maintainability of electronic devices by absorbing external forces and maintaining connection integrity.

Implementation Method 1

a first adhesive member configured to adhere the support member and the first surface of the flexible printed circuit board to each other; and a second adhesive member configured to adhere the support member and the first printed circuit board to each other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS20240372936A1Support structure and electronic device comprising same
Publication Date: 2024.11.07 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US20240372936A1 patent drawing
  • US20240372936A1 patent drawing
  • US20240372936A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An electronic device includes: a housing; a display disposed in the housing; a first printed circuit board disposed within the housing; a flexible printed circuit board disposed in the housing and including a first surface and a second surface facing the opposite direction to the first surface; a connector connecting the first surface of the flexible printed circuit board with the first printed circuit board; a reinforcing member coupled to the second surface and disposed to face the connector with the flexible printed circuit board interposed therebetween; a support member disposed between the first surface and the first printed circuit board, and having at least a portion facing the reinforcing member with the flexible printed circuit board interposed therebetween; a first adhesive member adhering the support member and the first surface; and a second adhesive member adhering the support member and the first printed circuit board.