Thin FPC Connector Shell Securement With Lock-Unlock Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for flexible printed circuit boards in automotive and thin electronic applications face challenges in providing both automatic locking and manual unlocking functions while maintaining a thin profile, which is not adequately addressed by prior technologies.
Innovation Solution
A thin type lock and unlock connector is designed with a three-member structure comprising a first shell, a second shell, and a first insulator, and a two-member structure with a fifth shell and a second insulator, utilizing pressing parts, fixing members, and elastic members to achieve locking and unlocking through deformation, allowing for efficient connection and disconnection of flexible printed circuit boards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a connector is thinned to match narrow space requirements, then the connector thickness is reduced, but the ability to provide automatic locking and manual unlocking functions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is nested within the insulator body, with the insulator body providing an accommodating space that houses the locking member. This nesting arrangement allows the locking mechanism to be integrated within the thin connector structure without increasing overall thickness, thereby maintaining the thinned profile while preserving automatic locking and manual unlocking functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member utilizes a sloped surface that acts along a specific direction to achieve locking and unlocking. By directing the locking action along a predetermined slope rather than requiring thick structural elements, the mechanism achieves functional versatility within a reduced thickness dimension.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a three-member structure with first shell, second shell and first insulator is used, then the locking and unlocking functions are achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first shell and second shell are combined with the first insulator to form an integrated assembly where the insulator body serves multiple functions: providing structural support, housing the locking member, and enabling both automatic and manual locking operations. This merging reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
3Ease of operation
If pressing parts are used to deform locking members for unlocking, then the manual unlocking operation is enabled, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is pre-configured with a sloped surface that determines the deformation stroke. When the pressing part applies force, the slope guides the deformation along a predetermined path and distance, automatically limiting the deformation stroke without requiring complex control mechanisms. This preliminary geometric configuration simplifies the manufacturing precision requirements compared to unguided deformation.
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 connector effectively reduces thickness while enabling secure locking and unlocking functions, ensuring reliable connection and disconnection of flexible printed circuit boards in constrained spaces.
Implementation Method 1
the plurality of first elastic members are suffered from a deformation of the plurality of first pressing parts, so as to further drive the plurality of first locking members to deform forward a second direction
Data Source
AI summary
A thin type lock and unlock connector include a first shell, a second shell and a first insulator, which are buckled and combined with each other by the respective provided first fixing members to form a connector that can be connected to a flexible printed circuit board. The second shell provides a first locking member and a first elastic member to lock the flexible printed circuit board to the connector. When an external force is applied to the first pressing part of the first shell, it acts on the locking member to unlock the flexible printed circuit board that the flexible printed circuit board can be detached from the connector. The first insulator provides an action portion with a slope to be arranged corresponding to the first locking member, to determine the deformation stroke of the first locking member.