Power Tool Display FPC Layout for Tight Internal Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Connecting a lead wire from a display on the outer surface of a power tool to a controller inside the tool is difficult due to limited space constraints.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing a flexible printed circuit with conductive traces to electrically connect a display, including surface light emitters, to a control circuit, allowing easy connection within the tool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lead wire is used to connect the display to the controller, then electrical connection is achieved, but the arrangement space inside the tool is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) instead of a traditional lead wire. The FPC is a thin, flexible circuit board that can be bent and arranged in limited spaces while maintaining electrical connections. This resolves the contradiction by providing reliable electrical connection between the display and controller without requiring excessive arrangement space inside the tool.
2Illumination intensity
If the display is placed on the outer surface of the tool, then visibility is improved, but the connection to the internal controller becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible printed circuit board enables the display to be positioned on the outer surface of the tool for optimal visibility while maintaining a simple connection path to the internal controller. The flexibility of the FPC allows it to navigate from the external display position to the internal controller without adding complexity to the connection structure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid circuit board is used, then structural stability is improved, but flexibility and ease of arrangement in limited space deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible printed circuit board that combines the electrical connection functionality of a rigid circuit board with the flexibility needed for arrangement in limited spaces. The FPC maintains structural stability for reliable electrical connections while being flexible enough to be easily arranged within the confined internal space of the tool.
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
Facilitates easy electrical connection of the control circuit to the display, enabling precise control and wider viewing angles while reducing the process load on the controller.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible printed circuit includes conductive traces. The at least one surface light emitter is on the flexible printed circuit and is electrically connected to the conductive traces.
Data Source
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AI summary
A job-site tool (1) in one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a display (21); a flexible printed circuit (25); and a control circuit (31). The display (21) is visible from outside and includes at least one surface light emitter (22). The flexible printed circuit (25) includes conductive traces (91 to 97). The at least one surface light emitter (22) is on the flexible printed circuit (25) and is electrically connected to the conductive traces (91 to 97). The control circuit (31) is electrically connected to the display (21) via the conductive traces (91 to 97).