Guide Member Wiring Structure for Foldable FPCB Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In flexible electronic devices with deformable structures, the flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) is prone to damage due to fatigue and mechanical interference during repeated deformations, and securing a stable wiring location is challenging in limited internal spaces, which can also limit space for other components and battery capacity.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device incorporates a housing with a hinge module and a guide member that includes a fixing plate and a waterproof member to stabilize and protect the FPCB, allowing it to pass through a wiring hole while maintaining electrical connections and improving waterproof performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the flexible printed circuit board is routed through the hinge module in flexible electronic devices, then electrical connections between housings are maintained, but the FPCB is prone to damage due to fatigue and mechanical interference during repeated deformations
Solution Approach 1:
A guide member is introduced as an intermediary component between the FPCB and the hinge module. The guide member includes a guide hole through which the FPCB passes, and a fixing plate that secures the FPCB. This intermediary structure protects the FPCB from direct mechanical interference and fatigue during hinge deformation, while maintaining electrical connections between housings.
2Reliability
If a wiring location is secured for the flexible printed circuit board, then stable electrical connections are achieved, but space for other components and battery capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The guide member utilizes the thickness dimension of the housing by being disposed at one side of the housing. The fixing plate is positioned at the outer surface of the housing, extending in the thickness direction. This dimensional arrangement allows the wiring to be secured without occupying valuable internal space, thereby preserving battery capacity and component arrangement flexibility.
3Volume of moving object
If the fixing plate is positioned at the outer surface of the housing, then installation space is saved and design freedom is enhanced, but the FPCB may be exposed to external environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The waterproof member is introduced as a protective barrier that covers the FPCB and the fixing plate. This thin film structure protects the exposed FPCB from external environmental factors such as moisture and dust, while allowing the fixing plate to remain positioned at the outer surface of the housing for space efficiency and design freedom.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes first and second housings, first and second display areas disposed on the first and second housings, respectively, and a folding area disposed between the first and second display areas and at least one flexible printed circuit board including at least one fixed plate disposed on one surface thereof. The at least one flexible printed circuit board extends from the first housing to the second housing. At least one of the first and second housings includes a support plate supporting at least a portion of either of the first and second display areas, and in which at least one through hole is formed. A guide member is disposed in the through hole with a wiring hole. At least a portion of the flexible printed circuit board may pass through the wiring hole. The fixed plate may be disposed on an inner wall of the wiring hole.