Hinge FPCB Slit Structure for Stress-Resistant PCB Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
As electronic devices become miniaturized, the flexible printed circuit boards (FPCBs) within them face damage due to the mechanical stress associated with the device's structure, particularly at the hinge area where the FPCBs connect multiple printed circuit boards (PCBs).
Innovation Solution
The electronic device incorporates a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) that extends from a first PCB in one housing to a second PCB in another housing across a hinge structure. This FPCB includes a support plate with a hole for the FPCB, an adhesive member for attachment, and a waterproof member to protect against foreign substances. The FPCB features a slit separating connectors, with a portion of the slit disposed within the waterproof member, reducing damage by distributing stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the FPCB is disposed across the hinge structure to connect multiple PCBs, then the device achieves miniaturization and flexible connectivity, but the FPCB is subjected to mechanical stress and damage at the hinge area
Solution Approach 1:
The FPCB is divided into multiple regions including a first region with connectors, a second region between the support plate and hinge structure, and a third region connecting them through the hole. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized for its specific function, with the third region's slit design specifically addressing stress distribution at the critical hinge area.
Solution Approach 2:
A slit is formed in the third region of the FPCB, extending from the first region into the hole, with a portion disposed in the waterproof member. This local structural modification creates different mechanical properties in different areas of the FPCB, allowing the slit region to flex and distribute stress while maintaining electrical connectivity.
2Reliability
If the FPCB includes connectors with conductive pins for electrical connection, then the device achieves functional connectivity between PCBs, but the FPCB becomes more susceptible to damage from mechanical stress
Solution Approach 1:
The FPCB is divided into functional regions: the first region contains the connectors with conductive pins for electrical connection, while the third region contains the slit for stress distribution. This segmentation separates the electrical connection function from the mechanical stress management function.
Solution Approach 2:
The slit in the third region acts as an intermediary structure between the rigid connector region and the hinge structure. It provides a flexible transition zone that absorbs mechanical stress while preserving the electrical connection integrity of the conductive pins.
3Device complexity
If the FPCB passes through a hole in the support plate at the hinge structure, then the device achieves compact arrangement, but the FPCB is exposed to foreign substances and mechanical damage
Solution Approach 1:
The waterproof member is disposed within the hole of the support plate, creating a nested structure where the waterproof member is nested inside the hole. This nested arrangement provides protection against foreign substances while maintaining the compact structural design.
Solution Approach 2:
The waterproof member acts as an intermediary barrier between the FPCB and the external environment. It prevents foreign substances from entering the hole and contacting the FPCB, while allowing the FPCB to pass through and maintain electrical connectivity.
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment, an electronic device includes: a first printed circuit board (PCB), a second PCB spaced apart from the first PCB, and a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) connecting the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board. The electronic device includes a support plate including a hole through which a portion of the FPCB passes, and a waterproof member comprising a waterproof material disposed in the hole. The flexible printed circuit board includes a first connector connected the first PCB, a second connector, and a slit separating the first connector and the second connector. A portion of the slit may be disposed in the waterproof member.