Rigid-Flex Circuit Board for Rotating Electronic Module

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices with rotating function modules, such as cameras, face challenges in minimizing volume and protecting components during rotation, as traditional connection methods can damage the function components and require extensive space for external line connections.

Innovation Solution

The use of a rigid-flex circuit board within the function module, which includes a rigid board portion electrically connected to the function component and a flexible board portion passing through a shaft portion, serves as a compact transferring component between the function module and the mainboard, eliminating the need for external line connections and allowing for 180-degree rotation without damaging the function component.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional external line connections are used to connect the function component to the mainboard, then the function module can be rotated, but the lines may be damaged during rotation and extensive space is required for line routing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunction component protection during rotationVSAvoidline routing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the circuit board and connection lines into a single integrated rigid-flex circuit board structure. The rigid portion provides stable electrical connections while the flexible portion allows rotation without line damage, eliminating the need for separate external line routing and reducing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible board portion is designed to dynamically adapt during rotation, bending appropriately to accommodate the 180-degree rotation of the function module while maintaining electrical connectivity. This dynamic flexibility prevents line damage during rotation without requiring complex protective routing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Volume of moving object

If a rigid-flex circuit board is used as the transferring component, then the volume of the function module is reduced, but the circuit board must withstand rotation without damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunction module volumeVSAvoidcircuit board durability during rotation
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The circuit board is segmented into distinct rigid and flexible portions. The rigid board portion provides structural support and stable electrical connections within the compact function module, while the flexible board portion specifically handles the mechanical stress of rotation, allowing the compact design to withstand rotation without damage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible board portion acts as a flexible film that can bend and deform during rotation without breaking. This flexible portion is specifically designed to accommodate the 180-degree rotation while maintaining electrical connectivity, enabling the compact function module design to endure rotational movements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Adaptability or versatility

If the function module is designed for 180-degree rotation, then versatility is improved, but the connection lines and components may be damaged during rotation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotation capabilityVSAvoidcomponent damage during rotation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The rigid and flexible board portions are merged into a single integrated structure where the flexible portion is specifically designed to accommodate the 180-degree rotation. This integration allows the function module to achieve full rotation capability while the flexible portion protects against component damage by absorbing mechanical stress

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11825006B2Electronic device and function module thereof
Publication Date: 2023.11.21 ASUSTEK COMPUTER INC
  • US11825006B2 patent drawing
  • US11825006B2 patent drawing
  • US11825006B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention discloses an electronic device. The electronic device comprises a body and a function module. The function module is rotatably disposed in the body, and includes a housing, a function component and a rigid-flex circuit board. The housing includes a shaft portion. The shaft portion is engaged to the body. The function component and the rigid-flex circuit board are disposed in the housing. The rigid-flex circuit board includes a rigid board portion and at least a flexible board portion. The rigid board portion is electrically connected to the function component. The flexible board portion is connected to the rigid board portion. The flexible board portion passes through the shaft portion and extends into the body.