Hinge FPCB Routing Structure to Prevent Connector-Side Bending
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Solution Overview
Problem
The compact arrangement of electronic components in thin electronic devices complicates the arrangement of connectors and flexible printed circuit boards, making it difficult to maintain the functionality and protect against moisture ingress.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device incorporates a hinge structure with a rib supporting the printed circuit board, a through hole for the flexible printed circuit board, and a sealing member to minimize the difference in height between the sealing member and the connector, reducing bending and potential damage to the flexible printed circuit board.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the electronic device is thinned to reduce size, then the device becomes more compact and portable, but the arrangement of connectors and flexible printed circuit boards becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the thickness dimension by extending the rib structure from the first surface toward the second surface of the first housing. This vertical extension creates additional spatial layers, allowing the flexible printed circuit board to pass through the rib's through hole while maintaining proper connection geometry, thus resolving the arrangement difficulty in thinned devices
2Ease of operation
If the flexible printed circuit board is routed through the hinge structure, then connection between housings is achieved, but bending and potential damage to the circuit board occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The rib structure serves as a protective cushioning element by providing a through hole that guides the flexible printed circuit board through a controlled path. This pre-designed routing path minimizes sharp bends and stress concentration points, thereby preventing damage before it occurs while maintaining the connection function
3Volume of moving object
If the connector and sealing member are positioned close together, then space is optimized, but height difference causes bending of the flexible printed circuit board
Solution Approach 1:
The rib structure introduces local structural variation by creating a through hole at a specific position and height. This localized feature allows the flexible printed circuit board to maintain a relatively flat path through the rib, reducing bending at the critical connection area while still optimizing overall space utilization
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 2B
AI summary
An electronic apparatus according to an embodiment may comprise: a flexible housing that includes a first housing, a second housing, and a hinge structure; a first printed circuit board inside the first housing; a second printed circuit board which includes a connector on one surface oriented in a second direction, and which is disposed inside the first housing and stacked on one surface, oriented in the second direction, of the first printed circuit board; a flexible printed circuit board which extends from the second housing to the first housing via the hinge structure and is connected to the connector; a support member which is located between the first printed circuit board and a first surface, extends in the second direction from one surface, includes a through-hole, through which a portion of the flexible printed circuit board passes, and supports the first printed circuit board; and at least one sealing member for sealing the space between the through-hole and the portion of the flexible printed circuit board.