Pivoting FPC Connector with Interlocking Base and Cover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors for flexible printed circuit (FPC) boards lack an immovable mechanism, causing the FPC boards to potentially disconnect during assembly and testing of liquid crystal display devices, leading to increased rework time and inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a base with an opening and a pivotally connected cover, including engaging connecting portions that form an accommodating space for the FPC board, preventing it from escaping even under external forces, ensuring stable electrical connection between the FPC board and the PCB.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rotatable cover is used to mount the FPC board, then the connector can be conveniently assembled or disassembled, but the FPC board may escape from the connector when external force is applied
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into a base and a cover that can be separated. The cover is pivotally connected to the base, allowing it to rotate between an open position for assembly/disassembly and a closed position for secure mounting. This segmentation enables both convenient operation and reliable connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting portions are designed with engagement features that automatically lock when the cover is rotated to the closed position. This preliminary action ensures the FPC board is secured before any external forces are applied, preventing escape while maintaining ease of assembly.
2Device complexity
If no immovable mechanism is provided, then the connector structure remains simple, but the FPC board may disconnect during assembly and testing
Solution Approach 1:
The cover transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one that can rotate between open and closed positions. When closed, the connecting portions create an immovable mechanism through engagement features, providing reliability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting portions act as intermediaries between the cover and base. These portions include engagement features that mediate the connection, creating a secure immovable mechanism while keeping the overall structure relatively simple.
3Reliability
If FPC tape is attached to prevent FPC board escape, then the connection reliability is improved, but the rework time increases when disassembly and reassembly are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The connector's cover and connecting portions are designed to self-lock when closed, automatically securing the FPC board without requiring additional FPC tape. This self-service mechanism maintains reliability while eliminating the time-consuming tape application and removal processes during rework.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector is adapted to mount a FPC board. The connector includes a base and a cover. The base includes an opening and a first connecting portion located at two sides of the opening. The cover is pivotally connected to the base, and includes a second connecting portion, wherein when the cover is turned and then the second connecting portion is engaged with the first connecting portion, there is an accommodating space formed between the cover and the opening of the base for accommodating the FPC board, and the first and second connecting portions are adjacent to the position portion, whereby the position portion cannot escape from the accommodating space.