Non-conductive Retainer for Flexible Circuit Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors are bulky and expensive, making them inefficient for providing connectivity between disparately located circuits.
Innovation Solution
A non-electrically conductive retainer component with a hollowed volume and biasing wedge is used to retain and force an electrical conductor to contact a conductive pad on a circuit board, allowing for flexible and cost-effective connectivity through varying diameters and pivot mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional connectors are used to provide connectivity between disparately located circuits, then electrical connection is achieved, but the connector becomes bulky and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into separate functional components: a retainer component that secures the electrical conductor, and the conductor itself that provides the electrical path. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall bulk while maintaining connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical conductor is extracted from a traditional bulky connector housing and allowed to protrude freely through the retainer component. This eliminates the need for encasing the conductor in a large connector body, significantly reducing volume while preserving electrical connectivity
2Reliability
If conventional connectors are used to provide connectivity between disparately located circuits, then electrical connection is achieved, but the connector becomes expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer component is designed as a simple, inexpensive structure that can be easily manufactured and potentially replaced. The focus shifts from a expensive, complex conventional connector to a simple retainer that holds a standard electrical conductor, reducing overall cost
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the conductor embedded within a protective connector housing (conventional approach), the conductor protrudes outward through a minimal retainer structure (inverted approach). This inversion simplifies manufacturing and reduces material costs while maintaining electrical connection reliability
3Reliability
If the retainer component exerts force on the electrical conductor to contact the conductive pad, then reliable electrical contact is achieved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer component is designed to automatically exert the necessary force on the electrical conductor through its inherent structure and material properties. The retainer self-regulates the contact force between the conductor and conductive pad without requiring external actuation or complex control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer component utilizes changes in physical parameters such as elasticity, friction, or geometric configuration to generate and maintain the contact force. By adjusting these parameters, the retainer achieves reliable electrical contact through simple structural means rather than complex mechanical systems
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
This solution provides a compact and cost-effective means of establishing electrical connections between circuit boards and external systems, enhancing connectivity while reducing bulkiness and expense.
Implementation Method 1
the non-electrically conductive retainer component is operable to retain the electrical conductor and exert a force on the lateral side of the electrical conductor to force the lateral side of the electrical conductor to contact the conductive pad of the circuit board
Implementation Method 2
the non-electrically conductive retainer component includes a hollowed volume through which the electrical conductor slidably passes
Implementation Method 3
the non-electrically conductive retainer component includes a hinge about which the electrical conductor pivots in the retainer component. In such an instance, a pivoting movement about the hinge resource provides a force in which to contact the side of the electrical conductor to the conductive pad on the circuit board
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A circuit assembly (700) includes one or more electrical conductors (520). Each of the electrical conductors has a first axial end and a second axial end; the first axial end is disposed opposite the second axial end. The assembly further comprises a non-electrically conductive retainer component (510) operable to: i) retain the electrical conductor and ii) contact a lateral side and/or tip of the electrical conductor onto a conductive pad (152) of a circuit board (150). The retainer component exerts an appropriate force with respect to the one or more electrical conductors such that, a respective lateral side and/or tip of each of the electrical conductors contact a corresponding electrically conductive pad on the circuit board.