Universal Coupling for Flexible Printed Circuit Orientation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for fabricating flexible printed circuit (FPC) modules require multiple parts and tooling due to asymmetric electrical film contacts, leading to increased complexity and costs, especially in applications like head-mounted display devices where identical components need to be connected at different angles.

Innovation Solution

A universal coupling system that allows FPC components to be connected in two or more different orientations, using identical components for asymmetric FPC modules, reducing the number of parts and tooling required by printing the coupling onto the components, enabling them to be affixed in various configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If asymmetric electrical film contacts are used to connect FPC components at different angles, then the required functionality for different orientations is achieved, but the number of parts and tooling increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection orientationVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a symmetric electrical film contact structure that can be used across multiple FPC modules regardless of orientation. Instead of creating asymmetric contacts for each specific angle, a universal symmetric contact design allows the same part to function in different orientations, reducing the number of unique parts and tooling required while maintaining the ability to connect at various angles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection orientationVSAvoidfabrication process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The symmetric contact design serves as a universal component that simplifies fabrication. The same manufacturing process and tooling can be used to produce identical symmetric contacts for all FPC modules, regardless of their final orientation requirements. This eliminates the need for complex asymmetric contact fabrication and reduces manufacturing steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate parts are used for asymmetric FPC modules, then the specific angle requirements are met, but inventory complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodule configurationVSAvoidinventory variety

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The symmetric electrical film contact acts as a universal part that can be used in any FPC module configuration. Instead of maintaining separate inventories of asymmetric contacts for different angles, the same symmetric contact design can be used universally, reducing inventory variety and simplifying supply chain management while still allowing modules to be configured at different angles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10038264B2Universal coupling for electrically connecting a flexible printed circuit to another flexible printed circuit in multiple different orientations

Publication Date: 2018.07.31 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

A universal coupling is disclosed for electrically and mechanically connecting flexible printed circuit (FPC) components within asymmetric FPC modules. The universal coupling allows a first FPC component to be connected to a second FPC component in two or more different orientations. This allows identical FPC components to be used in two or more asymmetric FPC modules. This in turn allows a reduction in the number of parts and tooling required to fabricate the two or more asymmetric FPC modules, and a simplification of the fabrication process.