Rigid-Flexible PCB Coupling Strength via Protective Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rigid-flexible printed circuit boards (R-FPCBs) experience stress and potential damage, such as tearing or detachment, at coupling portions when the flexible region bends, due to the mismatch in rigidity between the rigid and flexible regions.
Innovation Solution
A protective layer is laminated on the flexible region of the R-FPCB, covering the coupling portion with a designated length perpendicular to the bending direction, ensuring the tensile strength of the coupling portion is equal to or greater than a specified strength, thereby preventing damage during bending.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the flexible region bends to enable flexibility and movement, then the adaptability and ease of operation are improved, but stress occurs in the coupling portions causing damage and rupture
Solution Approach 1:
A protective layer is laminated on the flexible region before bending occurs, specifically covering the coupling portions where stress concentrates. This protective layer acts as a cushion that prevents damage from bending stress, allowing the flexible region to bend repeatedly without compromising the integrity of the coupling portions between rigid and flexible regions.
2Strength
If the protective layer covers the coupling portion by a designated length, then the tensile strength is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective layer is applied selectively to specific regions of the flexible printed circuit board - namely the flexible region and the coupling portions where rigid and flexible regions meet. The protective layer has a designated length that extends beyond the coupling portion in the bending direction, providing localized reinforcement exactly where tensile strength is needed during bending, without unnecessarily complicating the overall device structure.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a rigid-flexible printed circuit board and an electronic device including same. The electronic device may include: a housing; a first module disposed in one region of the housing; a second module disposed in an other region of the housing and spaced apart from the first module; and a rigid-flexible printed circuit board electrically connecting the first module and the second module, wherein the rigid-flexible printed circuit board includes: a rigid region; a flexible region coupled to the rigid region, wherein a part of the flexible region overlaps the rigid region; and a protective layer laminated on at least one of an upper end or a lower end of the flexible region to cover at least a part of a coupling portion of the rigid region and the flexible region by a designated numerical value, the coupling portion having a tensile strength equal to or greater than a designated strength based on the flexible region being bent. Various other embodiments are possible.