Switch Device Stress Absorber for Flexible PCB Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The onboard switch device's flexible printed circuit board is prone to cracking or breaking due to torsional stress when the operating lever is swung multi-directionally, leading to reduced durability and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A stress absorber with curved portions is integrated into the flexible printed circuit board to absorb torsional stress, allowing it to deform and absorb stress during operation, thereby enhancing its durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the flexible printed circuit board is routed from the movable lever-portion to the unit case, then the switch device can be operated multi-directionally, but the flexible printed circuit board is subjected to torsional stress causing cracks or breaks
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible printed circuit board is formed with curved portions (first and second curved portions) that allow it to bend and deform in response to torsional stress during multi-directional operation. This curvature enables the circuit board to absorb stress through elastic deformation rather than rigid breaking, maintaining reliability while preserving multi-directional adaptability
2Reliability
If additional stress-absorbing components are added to protect the flexible printed circuit board, then durability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stress-absorbing function is merged directly into the flexible printed circuit board by forming curved portions as integral parts of the board structure. This eliminates the need for separate stress-absorbing components, maintaining durability while avoiding increased device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible printed circuit board performs multiple functions: it provides electrical connectivity and simultaneously acts as a stress-absorbing element through its curved portions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated stress-absorbing components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability
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
The stress absorber effectively extends the lifespan of the flexible printed circuit board by mitigating torsional stress, allowing for stable long-term use without the need for additional stress-absorbing components, resulting in a more robust and compact switch device.
Implementation Method 1
the stress absorber comprises a plurality of curved portions curved in opposite directions to each other in such a way that the stress absorber deforms due to bend in a direction crossing the longitudinal direction of the flexible printed circuit board at the time of operation of the movable lever-portion
Data Source
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AI summary
A switch device includes a cylindrical movable lever-portion that is operable in multiple directions, a unit case that supports the movable lever-portion, and a flexible printed circuit board routed from an inside of the movable lever-portion to an inside of the unit case. A routed portion of the flexible printed circuit board to be routed inside the unit case includes a stress absorber configured to absorb a stress applied to the flexible printed circuit board. The stress absorber includes a plurality of curved portions curved in opposite directions to each other.