Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6676417
-
Patent Number
6,676,417
-
Date Filed
Tuesday, December 3, 200221 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, January 13, 200420 years ago
-
Inventors
-
Original Assignees
-
Examiners
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 439 67
- 439 362
- 439 364
- 439 492
- 439 493
- 439 329
-
International Classifications
-
Abstract
Systems for electrically interconnecting components are provided. One such system comprises: a flex cable having a first end and a second end; a first connector attached to and electrically communicating with the first end of the flex cable; a second connector attached to and electrically communicating with the second end of the flex cable; and a first retention member extending outwardly from the flex cable.
Description
BACKGROUND
Flexible circuit assemblies (“flex circuits”) are commonly used to make connections between electronic components, such as printed circuit boards (PCBs). In many applications that use flex circuits to interconnect PCBs, such as within a computer chassis, there is often a need to disconnect the flex circuit from the PCBs. By way of example, a flex circuit is disconnected from a PCB when the PCB is to be removed from the chassis for servicing. After servicing, the PCB is returned to the chassis and is reconnected to the flex circuit. Unfortunately, connecting and/or disconnecting the flex circuit can be difficult. For instance, if the PCB, flex circuit and adjacent components are located too close together, it may be difficult for an operator to access the flex circuit. More specifically, there may be insufficient clearance within a chassis for the hand of an operator to be able to grasp and manipulate the flex circuit and/or PCB.
SUMMARY
An embodiment of a system comprises a flex circuit assembly, a support structure and a printed circuit board (PCB). The flex circuit assembly has a flex cable, a first connector and a retention member. The first connector is attached to and electrically interconnected with a first end of the flex cable, and the retention member extends outwardly from the flex cable. The support structure defines an orifice and has an anchor, the orifice being sized and shaped to receive the retention member such that a portion of the retention member can be inserted into the orifice to form an interference fit, thereby mechanically supporting the flex circuit assembly. The PCB has a second connector and a shaft, the second connector being sized and shaped to electrically interconnect with the first connector. The shaft is rotatably mounted to the PCB and has a distal end configured to engage the anchor of the support structure such that, as the distal end of the shaft engages the anchor and the shaft is rotated, the second connector is aligned with and moved toward mating engagement with the first connector.
Another embodiment of a system comprises: a flex cable having a first end and a second end; a first connector attached to and electrically communicating with the first end of the flex cable; a second connector attached to and electrically communicating with the second end of the flex cable; and a first retention member extending outwardly from the flex cable, the first retention member having a post and a cap, the post having a first end located adjacent to the flex cable and as second end to which the cap is attached, the cap including multiple segments, each of which extends outwardly from the second end of the post, each of the segments being deflectable toward the post in response to a biasing force.
Another embodiment of a system comprises: a chassis having an anchor; a flex circuit assembly sized and shaped to be mounted at least partially within the chassis, the assembly having a flex cable, a first connector, the first connector being attached to and electrically interconnected with a first end of the flex cable; and an electronic component sized and shaped to be mounted at least partially within the chassis, the electronic component having a second connector and a shaft, the second connector being sized and shaped to electrically interconnect with the first connector of the flex circuit assembly, the shaft being rotatably mounted to the electronic component and having a distal end configured to engage the anchor of the chassis such that, as the distal end of the shaft engages the anchor and the shaft is rotated, the second connector is aligned with and moved toward mating engagement with the first connector.
Another embodiment of a system for electronically interconnecting components comprises a flex cable having a first end and a second end; a first connector attached to and electrically communicating with the first end of the flex cable; a second connector attached to and electrically communicating with the second end of the flex cable; and a means for supporting the first end of the flex cable such that the first connector is positioned for electrically engaging a first of the components.
An embodiment of a method for electrically interconnecting components comprises: providing a flex cable having a connector attached to a first end thereof; providing a support structure; and forming an interference fit between the support structure and a portion of the flex cable such that the first end of the flex cable is supported by the support structure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1
is a partially cut-way, perspective view of an embodiment of a flex circuit assembly.
FIG. 2
is a partially cut-way, perspective view of the embodiment of the flex circuit assembly of
FIG. 1
, showing the rear of the flex circuit assembly.
FIG. 3
is a perspective view of an embodiment of a retention member.
FIG. 4
is a partially cut-away, perspective view of the embodiment of the flex circuit assembly of
FIG. 1
aligned with a support structure.
FIG. 5
is a partially cut-away, perspective view of the embodiments of the flex circuit assembly and support structure of
FIG. 3
, with the flex circuit assembly mounted to the support structure.
FIG. 6
is a flowchart depicting an embodiment of a method for electrically interconnecting components.
FIG. 7
is a flowchart depicting an embodiment of a method for electrically interconnecting components.
FIG. 8
is a partially cut-away, perspective view of an embodiment of a printed circuit board assembly aligned with an embodiment of a flex circuit assembly that is mounted to a support structure.
FIG. 9
is a partially cut-away, perspective view of a representative computer chassis mounting an embodiment of the printed circuit board assembly to a flex circuit assembly and associated support structure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Systems and methods described herein potentially enable electrical connections between flex circuits and electronic components to be made at locations that are difficult for operators to reach. By way of example, some embodiments accommodate electrical interconnecting of components that may be located in an area of insufficient clearance for an operator to conveniently grasp and/or position a flex circuit and/or component.
As shown in
FIG. 1
, an embodiment of a flex circuit assembly
100
includes a flex cable
102
. For ease of illustration, only a portion of the flex cable is shown in FIG.
1
. Flex cable
102
is attached to a connector
104
at one of its ends, with another connector (not shown) typically being attached at the other of its ends. Connector
104
is sized and shaped to mate with a corresponding connector of a component, such as a circuit assembly, e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB), so that the component can electrically communicate with the flex cable. Similarly, the other end of the flex cable and corresponding connector are configured to electrically communicate with another component so that the components attached to the flex cable can electrically communicate with each other. Various types of connectors, e.g., a fine pitch, surface-mount compatible connector, such as a “Mictor” series connector manufactured by Tyco, can be used.
In the embodiment depicted in
FIG. 1
, guide posts
106
and
107
are mounted adjacent to opposing end walls
108
,
109
of the connector. The guide posts
106
and
107
are sized and shaped to be received within corresponding orifices (not shown) of a mating connector, which typically is attached to the component to which the flex cable is to be connected. The guide posts assist in aligning the connector of the flex cable with the connector of the component so that the connectors can electrically communicate with each other. Clearly, various shapes, sizes and numbers of guide posts can be used. In some embodiments, guide posts may even be omitted.
A bolster plate
110
that supports guide posts
106
,
107
is located at end
112
of the flex cable, with the bolster plate
110
and the connector
104
being positioned on opposite sides of the flex cable. In addition to supporting the guide posts, the bolster plate
110
supports, e.g., stiffens, the flex cable so that the flex cable is more resistant to bending. This tends to improve the integrity of the solder joints that typically are used to attach the flex cable
102
to the connector
104
.
As shown more clearly in
FIG. 2
, retention members
113
and
114
are supported by and extend outwardly from the bolster plate
110
. Retention members can, however, be attached to a flex circuit assembly in various manners. By way of example, retention members can be directly adhered to a flex circuit assembly, such as with high strength adhesive. Alternatively, one or more mechanical fasteners can be used. For instance, fasteners can be inserted through a flex cable to clamp the retention members to the flex cable. Clearly, any fastener that extends through a flex cable should be positioned so that the fastener does not interfere with internal circuitry/conductors of the flex cable.
In
FIG. 3
, an embodiment of a retention member
300
is shown that includes a post
310
and a cap
312
. Post
310
is generally cylindrical in shape and extends from a first end
314
, which attaches to a bolster plate (not shown in FIG.
3
). The second end
316
is attached to cap
312
. Cap
312
includes multiple segments, the ends of which are movable toward the post
310
. Specifically, the embodiment of the cap of
FIG. 3
includes four segments (segments
318
,
320
and
322
of which are shown), each of which is generally triangular in shape. The apex of each segment is attached in a vicinity of the second end
316
of the post.
Since only the apex of each segment is fixed to the post
310
, the base of each segment can be deflected toward the post. For example, segments can be deflected inwardly toward the post as the cap is inserted through an orifice that has a smaller diameter than that of the cap. After being inserted into such an orifice, continued insertion of the retention member can enable the segments to return to their unbiased positions so that an interference fit is formed with the structure defining the orifice.
Referring now to
FIG. 4
, mounting of an embodiment of a flex circuit assembly
402
to a support structure
410
will be described. In
FIG. 4
, a support structure
410
is depicted that is generally configured as a plate. Support structure
410
can be a portion of a chassis or other component that is adapted to mount the flex circuit assembly. In the embodiment depicted in
FIG. 4
, support structure
410
includes holes
412
and
414
that are used to receive mechanical fasteners for mounting the support structure to a chassis.
Support structure
410
also includes mounting holes
420
and
422
, each of which is adapted to receive a retention member of the flex circuit assembly
402
. Specifically, hole
420
is adapted to receive retention member
421
, and hole
422
is adapted to receive retention member
423
.
As the respective caps
424
,
426
of the retention members
421
,
423
are directed through the holes
420
,
422
, the segments of the caps are deflected inwardly toward their respective posts. Once inserted through the holes, the segments return to their unbiased positions and form interference fits with the support structure
410
so that the flex circuit assembly
402
is mounted to the support structure as shown in FIG.
5
.
Note that the holes can vary in size so that, in some embodiments, the flex circuit assembly is able to move or “float” in a limited manner, while still maintaining the interference fit. This is particularly useful in applications where components are to be blind-mated, since it is often required that at least one of the components is able to float in order to compensate for manufacturing dimensional tolerances, for example.
Also note in
FIG. 5
that the support structure
410
includes protruding portions
428
,
430
that extend outwardly from a centerline of the support structure. As shown in
FIG. 8
, protruding portions
428
,
430
serve as mounts for an anchor
610
. As will be described in detail below, the anchor
610
is configured to receive the distal end of a shaft that is used to align and engage the connector of the flex circuit assembly with a corresponding connector of an electronic component.
An embodiment of a method for electrically interconnecting components is depicted in the flowchart of FIG.
6
. As shown in
FIG. 6
, the method may be construed as beginning at block
602
, where a flex circuit assembly is provided. In block
604
, a support structure is provided that is used to support at least a portion of the flex circuit assembly. In particular, as depicted in block
606
, an interference fit is formed between the support structure and a portion of the flex circuit assembly. Typically, the portion of the flex circuit assembly forming the interference fit is located near a connector of the flex circuit assembly. This enables the connector to supported so that the connector is readily accessible for interconnecting with a corresponding connector of a component.
Continuing with the flowchart of
FIG. 7
, some embodiments of a method may further include providing a component, such as depicted in block
608
For instance, the component can be an electronic component such as a printed circuit board. In block
610
, an alignment feature of the support structure is engaged with an alignment feature of the component. Note, representative alignment features will be described in detail later with respect to
FIGS. 8 and 9
. In block
612
, the component is electrically interconnected with the flex cable of the flex circuit assembly. Specifically, engagement of the corresponding alignment features facilitates electrical interconnection of the component and the flex cable.
Reference is now made to
FIG. 8
, which depicts support structure
410
and flex circuit assembly
402
of
FIG. 5
positioned for engaging a connector of a component. In particular, the component depicted is a PCB
810
that includes an alignment feature for engaging a corresponding alignment feature of the anchor
610
. Note, the anchor
610
is generally configured as a bar that extends between the protruding portions
428
,
430
of the support structure
410
. The alignment feature anchor
610
is an orifice
812
located at an intermediate portion of the anchor. The alignment feature
812
is adapted to engage an alignment feature of PCB
810
, which is configured as the distal end
814
of a shaft
820
.
As shown in
FIG. 8
, shaft
820
extends generally across the PCB
810
. The distal end
814
is located in a vicinity of connector
822
, which is adapted to mate with the connector
823
of the flex circuit assembly
402
. Mounts, e.g., mounting blocks
824
,
826
, are used to support the shaft
820
and allow the shaft to rotate so that the distal end
814
can engage within the orifice
812
. In some embodiments, the distal end
814
and the orifice
812
are threaded so that when the distal end engages the orifice and the shaft is rotated, such as by use of a handle
828
, rotation of the shaft draws the connectors
822
,
823
into mating engagement with each other.
Note that in
FIG. 8
the shaft
820
is located on the underside of PCB
810
, i.e., the side that does not include the electrical traces and attached components. Clearly, the shaft could be located in various other positions. Typically, however, the shaft is located adjacent to the connector that is to engage the flex circuit assembly.
In
FIG. 9
, a portion of a representative chassis
900
is shown, in which component
810
is mounted. Specifically, component
810
is electrically interconnected with flex circuit assembly
402
. Note that the flex circuit assembly
402
is located at a generally central portion of the interior of the chassis
900
. This is a location that would be difficult for an operator to access by hand, particularly when a top cover of the chassis, which is not depicted in
FIG. 10
for clarity, is installed. Typically, component
810
is supported within the chassis
900
by one or more of various support components (not shown), such as card guides or sliding rails, for example. Shaft
820
provides additional structural support for component
810
since, in the installed position depicted in
FIG. 9
, the shaft engages anchor
610
, which is attached to support structure
410
of the chassis.
In order to remove component
810
from the chassis
900
, an operator rotates handle
828
, such as in the direction indicated by arrow A, to disengage the distal end
814
of the shaft from the anchor
610
. After the shaft disengages the anchor, the component
810
and accompanying shaft can be slid out of the chassis. The component
810
can be remounted within the chassis by reversing the above-mentioned process.
It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present invention are merely possible examples of implementations set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments of the invention without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the invention. By way of example, the embodiments described herein incorporate shafts with threaded distal ends that engage threaded orifices of corresponding support structures. However, in other embodiments, mechanical interfaces other than threads can be used. For instance, hardware that activates on quarter turn operation could be used. Additionally or alternatively, the single shaft structures described here could be substituted with various combinations of mechanical linkages, such as linkages that operate by rotation and/or longitudinal and/or transverse displacement. By way of example, an over-center draw latch, a level action assembly, or a cam action assembly could be used. As another example, the distal end of the shaft could include an orifice that receives an externally-threaded protrusion of the anchor.
All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and the present invention and protected by the following claims.
Claims
- 1. A system for electrically interconnecting components, said system comprising:a flex cable assembly having a flex cable, a first connector and a retention member, the first connector being attached to and electrically interconnected with a first end of the flex cable, the retention member extending outwardly from the flex cable; a support structure defining an orifice and an anchor, the orifice being sized and shaped to receive the retention member such that a portion of the retention member can be inserted into the orifice to form an interference fit, thereby mechanically supporting the flex cable assembly; and a printed circuit board (PCB) having a second connector and a shaft, the second connector being sized and shaped to electrically interconnect with the first connector, the shaft being rotatable mounted to the PCB and having a distal end configured to engage the anchor of the support structure such that, as the distal end of the shaft engages the anchor and the shaft is rotated, the second connector is aligned with and moved toward mating engagement with the first connector; wherein the retention member has a post and a cap attached to an end of the post, the cap including multiple segments, each of which extends outwardly from the post, each of the segments being deflectable toward the post in response to a biasing force.
- 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the PCB has a first shaft mount and a second shaft mount spaced therefrom, each said shaft mount defining an orifice through which the shaft extends.
- 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the anchor defines an orifice and the distal end of the shaft is sized and shaped to engage within the orifice.
- 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the flex cable assembly has a plate from which the retention member extends, the plate being located such that the flex cable is arranged at least partially between the plate and the first connector.
- 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the support structure has a first protruding portion and a second protruding portion, each of which extends outwardly from a centerline of the support structure; andwherein the anchor extends across the flex cable from the first protruding portion to the second protruding portion such that the flex cable is arranged at least partially between the anchor and the support structure.
- 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the second connector is mounted to the PCB adjacent to the distal end of the shaft.
- 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the retention member and orifice are sized and shaped to permit movement of the retention member when engaged in the interference fit.
- 8. The system of claim 1, further comprising:means for mounting the first retention member adjacent to the first connector.
- 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the cap is generally dome-shaped.
- 10. The system of claim 9, wherein each of the segments is generally triangle-shaped.
- 11. The system of claim 1, further comprising:wherein the retention member is a first retention member; and a second retention member extending outwardly from the flex cable, the second retention member having a post and a cap, the post having a first end located adjacent to the flex cable and as second end to which the cap is attached, the cap including multiple segments, each of which extends outwardly from the second end of the post, each of the segments being deflectable toward the post in response to a biasing force.
- 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the first and second retention members are mounted adjacent to the first connector.
- 13. A system comprising:a chassis having an anchor; a flex cable assembly sized and shaped to be mounted at least partially within the chassis, the assembly having a flex cable, a first connector, the first connector being attached to and electrically interconnected with a first end of the flex cable; and an electronic component sized and shaped to be mounted at least partially within the chassis, the electronic component having a second connector and a shaft, the second connector being sized and shaped to electrically interconnect with the first connector of the flex cable assembly, the shaft being rotatable mounted to the electronic component and having a distal end configured to engage the anchor of the chassis such that, as the distal end of the shaft engages the anchor and the shaft is rotated, the second connector is aligned with and moved toward mating engagement with the first connector; wherein the assembly has a retention member extending outwardly from the flex cable; and wherein the retention member has a post and a cap attached to an end of the post, the cap including multiple segments, each of which extends outwardly from the post, each of the segments being deflectable toward the post in response to a biasing force.
- 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the anchor defines an internally-threaded orifice and the distal end of the shaft is externally threaded.
- 15. The system of claim 13, wherein the electronic component is a printed circuit board.
- 16. The system of claim 13, wherein the chassis defines an interior and has a support structure extending into the interior; andwherein, in a mounted position, the anchor extends across the flex cable such that the flex cable is arranged at least partially between the anchor and the support structure.
- 17. The system of claim 13, wherein the chassis defines an orifice, the orifice being sized and shaped to receive the retention member such that a portion of the retention member can be inserted into the orifice to form an interference fit, thereby mechanically supporting the first end of the flex cable with respect to the chassis.
- 18. A system for electrically interconnecting components, said system comprising:a flex cable assembly having a flex cable, a first connector and a retention member, the first connector being attached to and electrically interconnected with a first end of the flex cable, the retention member extending outwardly from the flex cable; a support structure defining an orifice and an anchor, the orifice being sized and shaped to receive the retention member such that a portion of the retention member can be inserted into the orifice to form an interference fit, thereby mechanically supporting the flex cable assembly; and a printed circuit board (PCB) having a second connector and a shaft, the second connector being sized and shaped to electrically interconnect with the first connector, the shaft being rotatably mounted to the PCB and having a distal end configured to engage the anchor of the support structure such that, as the distal end of the shaft engages the anchor and the shaft is rotated, the second connector is aligned with and moved toward mating engagement with the first connector; wherein the support structure has a first protruding portion and a second protruding portion, each of which extends outwardly from a centerline of the support structure; and wherein the anchor extends across the flex cable from the first protruding portion to the second protruding portion such that the flex cable is arranged at least partially between the anchor and the support structure.
- 19. The system of claim 18, wherein the PCB has a first shaft mount and a second shaft mount spaced therefrom, each said shaft mount defining an orifice through which the shaft extends.
- 20. The system of claim 18, wherein the anchor defines an orifice and the distal end of the shaft is sized and shaped to engage within the orifice.
- 21. The system of claim 18, wherein the flex cable assembly has a plate from which the retention member extends, the plate being located such that the flex cable is arranged at least partially between the plate and the first connector.
- 22. The system of claim 18, wherein the second connector is mounted to the PCB adjacent to the distal end of the shaft.
- 23. The system of claim 18, wherein the retention member and orifice are sized and shaped to permit movement of the retention member when engaged in the interference fit.
- 24. The system of claim 18, wherein the cap is generally dome-shaped.
- 25. The system of claim 18, further comprising:means for mounting the first retention member adjacent to the first connector.
- 26. The system of claim 18, further comprising:a second retention member extending outwardly from the flex cable, the second retention member having a post and a cap, the post having a first end located adjacent to the flex cable and as second end to which the cap is attached, the cap including multiple segments, each of which extends outwardly from the second end of the post, each of the segments being deflectable toward the post in response to a biasing force.
- 27. A system for electrically interconnecting components, said system comprising:a flex cable having a first end and a second end; a first connector attached to and electrically communicating with the first end of the flex cable; a second connector attached to and electrically communicating with the second end of the flex cable; a first retention member extending outwardly from the flex cable, the first retention member having a post and a cap, the post having a first end located adjacent to the flex cable and as second end to which the cap is attached, the cap including multiple segments, each of which extends outwardly from the second end of the post, each of the segments being deflectable toward the post in response to a biasing force; and a second retention member extending outwardly from the flex cable, the second retention member having a post and a cap, the post having a first end located adjacent to the flex cable and as second end to which the cap is attached, the cap including multiple segments, each of which extends outwardly from the second end of the post, each of the segments being deflectable toward the post in response to a biasing force; wherein the first and second retention members are mounted adjacent to the first connector; wherein the chassis defines an interior and has a support structure extending into the interior; and wherein, in a mounted position, the anchor extends across the flex cable such that the flex cable is arranged at least partially between the anchor and the support structure.
- 28. The system of claim 27, wherein the cap is generally dome-shaped.
- 29. The system of claim 27, wherein each of the segments is generally triangle-shaped.
- 30. The system of claim 27, further comprising:a plate mounted adjacent to the first connector, the first retention member extending outwardly from the plate.
- 31. The system of claim 27, further comprising:means for mounting the first retention member adjacent to the first connector.
US Referenced Citations (8)