Meter Pointer Device Flexible FPC Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing meter pointer devices face issues with uneven illumination and stress on connecting portions due to rigid electric wires, which affect reliability and mobility, especially when a regulator is required to manage wire deformation.

Innovation Solution

A meter pointer device utilizing a flat circuit body electric wire with one end connected perpendicularly to the main substrate and a protecting member to surround its moving range, along with a flexible connection system that allows easy deformation during rotation, eliminating the need for a regulator and reducing stress on connecting portions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a rigid electric wire is used to connect the base plate to the main substrate, then the connection is stable, but the wire cannot accommodate rotation of the meter pointer and stress accumulates at the connecting portion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidwire flexibility during rotation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the electric wire flexible rather than rigid, allowing it to dynamically adapt to the rotational movement of the base plate. The flexible wire can bend and deform as needed during rotation, eliminating stress accumulation at connecting portions while maintaining reliable electrical connection throughout the rotation cycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Illumination intensity

If many reflecting walls are provided to guide light to the meter pointer tip, then light can reach the pointer, but light attenuation is large and sufficient brightness cannot be attained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepointer illuminationVSAvoidlight attenuation
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the unnecessary reflecting walls from the optical path. By removing these intermediate reflecting components, the light can travel more directly from the light source to the meter pointer, significantly reducing light attenuation and achieving sufficient brightness without requiring multiple reflections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Illumination intensity

If LED light sources are arranged to surround the rotating shaft, then the meter pointer can be illuminated, but uneven illumination occurs when the pointer rotates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepointer illuminationVSAvoidillumination uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by positioning the LED light source at a specific location (on the base plate) rather than surrounding the rotating shaft. This localized positioning ensures that the light source rotates together with the base plate, maintaining a constant relative position and providing uniform illumination to the meter pointer throughout its rotation, eliminating the uneven illumination problem.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Reliability

If a regulator is added to prevent wire raising during rotation, then wire stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewire stabilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by designing the flexible electric wire to inherently accommodate its own movement during rotation. The wire's flexibility allows it to naturally bend and deform to follow the rotational path without requiring an external regulator or guide mechanism. This self-accommodating design maintains wire stability while eliminating the need for additional components, thereby reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 enhances the reliability and workability of the meter pointer device by ensuring consistent illumination and preventing wire stress, allowing for smooth rotation without the need for additional regulatory components.

Implementation Method 1

a light source mounted on the base plate for emitting light to the meter pointer to illuminate the meter pointer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS8783207B2Meter pointer device
Publication Date: 2014.07.22 YAZAKI CORP
  • US8783207B2 patent drawing
  • US8783207B2 patent drawing
  • US8783207B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An electric wire for connecting a rotating base plate 18 and a main substrate 10 is composed of an FPC 13. The FPC is connected to the main substrate 10 in a manner that a width direction of the FPC 13 is perpendicular to the main substrate 10. A protecting member 14 is provided on the main substrate 10 for surrounding a moving range of the FPC 13 on the main substrate 10 associated with a rotation of a meter pointer 12.