Rotating Connector Module with Foldable FPCB for Compact Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
The connection structure between the body part and display part in electronic devices, which uses coaxial or wire cables, restricts miniaturization and requires additional mounting space due to the length of the cables, and is prone to damage or short-circuits.
Innovation Solution
A connector module utilizing a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) with a support part, link part, and elastic member that allows the cable to be folded and unfolded as the link part rotates, providing electrical coupling between the body and display parts while minimizing thickness and preventing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If coaxial or wire cables are used for connection between body part and display part, then electrical connection is achieved, but mounting space increases and device miniaturization is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional coaxial or wire cables with a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) that has excellent flexibility and can be folded. The FPCB includes a flexible substrate with conductive patterns that provide electrical connection between the body part and display part, while occupying minimal space when folded along with the rotating link part.
2Reliability
If traditional cable connection structure is used, then electrical coupling is provided, but additional mounting space is required due to cable length
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a rotating link part that can rotate relative to the body part, allowing the FPCB to dynamically fold and unfold as needed. This dynamic structure enables the cable length to adapt to different positions of the display part while minimizing the volume occupied by the connection structure when folded.
3Reliability
If rigid cable connection is used, then stable electrical connection is achieved, but damage or short-circuit occurs due to lack of flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The FPCB's flexible nature allows it to bend and fold smoothly during rotation of the link part, preventing the rigidity-induced damage and short-circuits that would occur with traditional rigid cables. The flexible substrate can accommodate the mechanical stresses of rotation without breaking or creating short circuits.
4Area of stationary object
If flexible printed circuit board is used, then mounting space is reduced and device is miniaturized, but the cable must be folded and unfolded repeatedly which may cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating link part provides a controlled dynamic mechanism for folding and unfolding the FPCB. This structured rotation allows the FPCB to bend in a predetermined manner along with the link part's rotation, reducing random stress and wear that would otherwise cause damage during repeated folding operations.
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 reduces the mounting space required, allows for a more compact electronic device design, and enhances reliability by preventing damage and short-circuits through the flexible and rotatable connection mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
at least one elastic member disposed between the support part and the link part and configured to provide an elastic restoring force as the link part is rotated
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention may comprise: a body portion comprising a first surface facing in a first direction, a second surface facing in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction, and a seating groove arranged in an inner peripheral area thereof in the longitudinal direction; a display portion rotatably coupled to the body portion; and a connector module arranged in the seating groove of the body portion so as to provide electric coupling between the body portion and the display portion, at least a part of the connector module being configured to rotate. The connector module may comprise: a support portion fixed/coupled inside the seating groove, the support portion comprising an opening arranged therein; a link portion rotatably coupled to the support portion, the center area of the link portion being open so as to correspond to the opening of the support portion; at least one elastic member arranged between the support portion and the link portion so as to provide elastic restoration power caused by rotation of the link portion; and at least one cable connected from the body portion to the display portion through the opening of the link portion, the cable being folded or unfolded by rotation of the link portion.