Indicia-reading module with integrated flexible circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile computing devices lack the performance and features of dedicated indicia readers, particularly in terms of illumination, alignment, and image quality, necessitating a compact and integrated indicia-reading module within a handheld device without sacrificing performance.
Innovation Solution
An indicia-reading module integrated within a mobile computing device using a unitary flexible circuit to connect discrete subassemblies, such as imaging, aiming, illuminating, and processing units, allowing for compact design and elimination of bulky connectors, with each subassembly supported by a discrete, rigid multilayer printed-circuit-board.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated indicia-reading module is integrated within a mobile computing device, then performance and features (illumination, alignment, image quality) are improved, but the module size and design complexity are constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit board is segmented into multiple separate circuit boards positioned to best fit within the small module housing. Each board handles specific functions, allowing optimization of each component while maintaining overall compactness. This segmentation enables the integration of dedicated indicia-reading components without excessive module size increase.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple circuit boards are nested within the module housing in a compact arrangement. The flexible circuit board connects these nested boards, allowing them to be positioned at angles to each other to maximize space utilization. This nesting approach enables high-performance components to be integrated within constrained volume.
2Volume of moving object
If the circuit board is split into multiple circuit boards to reduce size, then module compactness is improved, but interconnection complexity and bulk increase due to connectors
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible circuit board is used to interconnect the multiple rigid circuit boards. This flexible circuit board can be bent and positioned at angles to connect boards in a compact, nested arrangement without requiring bulky rigid connectors. The flexible nature allows complex spatial connections while maintaining a thin, low-profile interconnection structure.
3Reliability
If connectors are used to interconnect circuit boards, then electrical connection is achieved, but the module size increases and signal integrity may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible circuit board replaces traditional rigid connectors with a thin, flexible interconnection medium. This eliminates bulky connector structures while maintaining reliable electrical connections. The flexible circuit board can be positioned close to the rigid circuit boards, minimizing signal path length and improving signal integrity while keeping the overall module size compact.
Data Source
AI summary
An indicia-reading module suitable for integration within a host mobile computing device that has an integrated flexible circuit is disclosed. The indicia-reading module includes a plurality of subassemblies, each supported and electrically connected by a discrete, rigid, multilayer printed-circuit-board (PCB). A unitary flexible circuit electrically connects the subassemblies and is physically integrated between two inner layers of each subassembly's discrete, rigid, multilayer printed-circuit-board. The use of the integrated flexible circuit aids in reducing module size, signal loss, and interference with the host mobile computing device.