Long-lasting flexible circuitry
AssigneeViA, Inc.
InventorsDavid W. Carroll, Terry L. Travis
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus and method for extending the durability and life span of flexible circuitry by limiting the bend radius of the flexible circuitry and distributing the flexure point about an extended portion of the circuitry. The assembly includes one or more flex-limiting members associated with and integrated between the layers of flexible circuitry laminate. A fastener is affixed to the flexible circuitry laminate, operatively coupling the one or more flex-limiting members in position adjacent the flexible circuitry laminate. The flex-limiting member limits flexure of the circuitry, during each individual bend, to or below a predetermined angle, thereby decreasing the rate of failure in the circuitry, for example via short circuit, as a result of repeated or excessive bending.
Claims24
An assembly for extending the durability of flexible circuitry, the assembly comprising:
- at least one flex-limiting member;
- and
- a fastener coupled to the flex-limiting member;
- wherein the flex-limiting member functions to limit flexure of the flexible circuitry;
- wherein the fastener operates to couple the at least one flex-limiting member and the flexible circuitry at the fastener;
- and
- wherein at least a first flex-limiting member is constructed of a first material, further wherein at least a second flex-limiting member is constructed of a second material.
An assembly for extending the life of flexible circuitry, the assembly comprising:
- means for increasing a bend radius of the flexible circuitry, the means for increasing comprising a first flex-limiting member and a second flex-limiting member, the first flex-limiting member possessing a higher durometer value than the second flex-limiting member;
- and
- means for maintaining the spatial orientation between the means for increasing and the flexible circuitry, the means for maintaining comprising a fastener constructed to be placed about a portion of the flexible circuitry and the first and second flex-limiting members;
- wherein at least a portion of the means for increasing is constructed to be internal to the flexible circuitry.
A method of minimizing failure as a result of repetitive bending of flexible circuitry, the method comprising:
- selecting a first flex-limiting member of a first rigidity;
- selecting a second flex-limiting member of a second rigidity, the second rigidity being different than the first rigidity;
- associating the first and second flex-limiting members with the flexible circuitry;
- and
- maintaining the position of the flex-limiting members relative to the flexible circuitry with a fastener, placed about a portion of the flexible circuitry and the flex-limiting members, to increase a bend radius of the flexible circuitry.
An assembly for extending the durability of flexible circuitry, the assembly comprising:
- at least one flex-limiting member;
- and
- a fastener coupled to the at least one flex-limiting member, the fastener comprising a casement constructed to be placed about a portion of the flexible circuitry and the at least one flex-limiting member, the casement being constructed to maintain the position of the at least one flex-limiting member;
- wherein the at least one flex-limiting member functions to limit flexure of the flexible circuitry;
- wherein the fastener operates to couple the at least one flex-limiting member and the flexible circuitry;
- and
- wherein at least a first flex-limiting member is constructed of a first material, further wherein at least a second flex-limiting member is constructed of a second material.
An assembly for extending the durability of flexible circuitry, the assembly comprising:
- at least one flex-limiting member;
- and
- a fastener coupled to the flex-limiting member;
- wherein the flex-limiting member functions to limit flexure of the flexible circuitry;
- wherein the fastener operates to couple the at least one flex-limiting member and the flexible circuitry;
- and
- wherein at least a first flex-limiting member is constructed of a first material comprising foam, further wherein at least a second flex-limiting member is constructed of a second material comprising rubber.
A flexible circuitry assembly, comprising:
- flexible circuitry, the flexible circuitry comprising a plurality of signal-conducting layers;
- and
- at least one flex-limiting member for limiting flexure of the flexible circuitry, the at least one flex-limiting member being disposed between two of the signal-conducting layers such that said two layers are joined together at one end of the member, separated by the member along opposite side surfaces of the member, and re-joined at an end of the member opposite said one end of the member.
An assembly for extending the durability of flexible circuitry, the assembly comprising:
- at least one flex-limiting member;
- and
- a fastener coupled to the flex-limiting member;
- wherein the flex-limiting member functions to limit flexure of the flexible circuitry;
- wherein the fastener operates to couple the at least one flex-limiting member and the flexible circuitry;
- and
- wherein the flex-limiting member is disposed at least partially within the flexible circuitry.
Flexible circuitry, in combination with an assembly for extending the life of the flexible circuitry, the assembly comprising:
- means for increasing a bend radius of the flexible circuitry, the means for increasing comprising a first flex-limiting member and a second flex-limiting member, the first flex-limiting member possessing a higher durometer value than the second flex-limiting member;
- and
- means for maintaining the spatial orientation between the means for increasing and the flexible circuitry, the means for maintaining comprising a fastener constructed to be placed about a portion of the flexible circuitry and the first and second flex-limiting members.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.