Adapted Flat Cable Structure for Firm, Identifiable Connections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional flexible flat cables (FFCs) lack a firm structure, making them prone to loosening and are not easily assembled or disassembled, while also failing to enhance the appearance and identification of electronic devices.

Innovation Solution

The adapting cable structure incorporates a cable with a first and second circuit board, a connector, and fixing parts, featuring a pattern for improved appearance and identification, with a design that includes a greater number of contacting parts and welding parts, and a thicker insulating coat to enhance firmness and assembly/disassembly capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional FFC is used for flexibility, then the cable can be easily bent, but the structure becomes loose and prone to loosening

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidstructural firmness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite structure combining flexible flat cable with rigid circuit boards and fixing parts. The FFC maintains flexibility for bending while the circuit boards and fixing parts provide structural firmness to prevent loosening, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and structural stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The cable structure is divided into separate functional segments: the flexible FFC portion for signal transmission and bending, and rigid circuit board portions for structural support. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If conventional FFC is used for signal transfer, then the cable can transmit signals, but the appearance and identification are poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transfer capabilityVSAvoidappearance and identification

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the FFC with circuit boards that have printed patterns serving both functional and aesthetic purposes. The patterns on the circuit boards provide identification and improve appearance while the underlying FFC maintains signal transfer capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If more contacting parts are added to improve connection, then the assembly capability improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly capabilityVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The circuit boards serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, contain welding parts for electrical connection, and display patterns for identification. This multi-functionality improves assembly capability without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11749919B2Adapting cable structure

Publication Date: 2023.09.05 ADAPTING CABLE STRUCTURE

AI summary

An adapting cable structure includes a cable, a first circuit board and a second circuit board. The cable is used to transfer a power signal or a control signal. The first circuit board includes a plurality of contacting parts and a plurality of first welding parts. Another end of the cable is on the second circuit board and the plurality of the contacting parts are located at two sides of the first circuit board. The plurality of welding parts are connected to one end of the cable. Furthermore, a pattern of a text or a specific design is placed on the cable. The pattern is used to improve the appearance or the identification of the cable.