RF Cable Connection Device Using Vertical FPCB Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing RF cable connection methods for high-frequency communication technologies face challenges in minimizing mounting space and efficiently connecting upper and lower antennas, particularly due to high signal loss and spatial inefficiencies in coaxial cables and printed circuit boards.

Innovation Solution

The RF cable connection device employs a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) with receptacles connected to a printed circuit board (PCB), where the FPCB is vertically assembled on the PCB, reducing spatial occupancy and using conductive adhesive tapes for grounding, allowing for efficient high-frequency signal transmission between the RF modem and antenna.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a coaxial cable is used to connect the upper antenna, then the signal transmission is improved, but the mounting space and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal transmissionVSAvoidmounting space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from planar PCB routing to three-dimensional FPCB routing, allowing the RF cable to connect the upper antenna through vertical and lateral extensions. This dimensional change enables signal transmission comparable to coaxial cables while maintaining a compact mounting footprint by utilizing the Z-axis and side surfaces of the PCB.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) instead of rigid PCB routing or coaxial cables. The FPCB can be bent and extended to reach the upper antenna while maintaining a thin profile, thus providing reliable signal transmission without the bulk and mounting space requirements of traditional coaxial cable assemblies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the lower antenna is used for communication, then the SAR is reduced, but the wiring length and signal loss increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSARVSAvoidsignal loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The FPCB extends along the side surface of the PCB and connects to the lower antenna through a bent configuration. This three-dimensional routing minimizes the effective signal path length while accommodating the spatial separation between the RF modem and lower antenna, thereby reducing signal loss while maintaining SAR benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Stability of the object's composition

If clips are used to fix the coaxial cable at each intermediate portion, then the cable is secured, but the component disposition efficiency and mounting space are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable fixationVSAvoidmounting space
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the FPCB grounding structure with the PCB itself, eliminating the need for separate clips or fixation components. The FPCB is directly connected to the PCB at multiple points, combining the cable support, grounding, and signal transmission functions into a single integrated structure, thereby securing the connection without additional mounting space requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The FPCB serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for the RF cable, establishes electrical grounding connections, and transmits high-frequency signals. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate fixation clips and grounding components, optimizing component disposition and reducing mounting space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10616995B2RF cable connection device and electronic device having same
Publication Date: 2020.04.07 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US10616995B2 patent drawing
  • US10616995B2 patent drawing
  • US10616995B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An RF cable connection device and an electronic device having the same are provided. The electronic device comprises: a housing; a printed circuit board located in the housing and including a first surface facing a first direction, a second surface facing a second direction opposite the first direction, and a third surface facing at least one direction other than those of the first and second surfaces; a first conductive contact located on the first surface of the printed circuit board; a second conductive contact located on the first surface of the printed circuit board; and at least one electrically conductive line, wherein the electrically conductive line comprises a first end part electrically connected to the first conductive contact, a second end part electrically connected to the second conductive contact, and at least one insulation member for electrically insulating a part of the at least one electrically conductive line, and the at least one electrically conductive line and the at least one insulation member can comprise a first part extending on at least one lateral surface of the printed circuit board. Other examples are possible.