Motorola Corporation

Thomas J Tischhauser

David J Cottingham

Michael I Petrites

Harold G Hanley

Michael J Petrites

An electronic module assembly (31) is provided by assembling components (17) to a planar polyimide flex circuit film (14) laminated to an aluminum rigidizer plate (11). The flex circuit film and rigidizer are then bent by a sheet metal bending process such that the rigidizer plate forms an exterior protective housing and the components are provided in an interior space (30). Connector pins (23) provide external electrical access to the components and circuit patterns (15, 16, 19) on the film (14). Structures (24, 25, 29) mate with the bent plate and substantially enclose the interior space. Module cost is reduced since the existing flex circuit rigidizer plate is used to form part of the module housing, and economical planar component assembly techniques are utilized while eliminating the step of mounting the flex circuit rigidizer plate to an external module housing. Two techniques for using a mandrel shaft (26, 35) to bend the plate (11) without stressing the film (14) are disclosed.

Method of manufacturing electronic module assembly

Electronic module assembly and method of manufacture

A switch arrangement is disclosed which may be used with an enclosed fluid resistant container. A pin-like element is inserted through a wall of the container to actuate a switch contained within the container. Thereafter, the circuit is not easily deactivated. The switch arrangement includes a switch located within the container for activating a particular circuit function. The switch includes a mechanical trigger which is moved to effect the switch activation. A narrow switch actuator, such as a pin, is used for moving the trigger. A slide block is positioned between the trigger and a container wall for impacting the trigger in a single direction. A plug is placed in the wall and has an aperture therethrough for receiving the switch actuator, and the plug also includes a separate labyrinth path therethrough for passing fluid to the outside of the container. The aperture in the plug is structured such that the switch actuator fits slidably in the aperture and substantially seals the aperture. The switch actuator is moved through the aperture to force the slide block to impact the trigger, the switch actuator remains in the aperature to seal the plug, and the labyrinth path in the plug permits fluid to be released from the container.

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Hawthorn Woods, IL, United States of America

Thomas J Tischhauser