Durability Design of Flexible Cable

Abstract

To reduce entry of debris such as small foreign particles or fluid passing into a joint in a cable assembly routed through a hinged compartment of an electronic device.SOLUTION: A hinged electronic device 200 includes a flex cable 210 that is used to restrict bending of the cable and a gap 224, a groove, or a reduced size section of a mandrel 218 and provides a particle removal mechanism to allow particles to pass therethrough. It also provides a protective layer that limits pressure applied to the cable by particles or other contaminants.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2A

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The described embodiments generally relate to cable assemblies for electronic devices. More particularly, the present embodiments relate to cable assemblies routed through a hinged section of an electronic device.

Background Art

[0002] Many household electronic devices have multiple housing sections. Often, electrical signals must be transmitted from one housing section to another. An electronic device may have, within one housing section, an electronic device that receives signals from another housing section. For example, a laptop computing device may have a display mounted within a display housing section that receives signals from a timing controller mounted within another housing section. The display housing section may also be rotatable or movable relative to another housing section via a hinge. For example, many laptop computers have a display housing section that rotates about a hinge assembly to facilitate viewing of the display at various viewing angles and to provide access to user input controls disposed on a main housing assembly.

[0003] One challenge associated with hinge-style electronic device enclosures is reliably routing signals from one housing compartment to another. In some electronic devices, signal transmission mechanisms, such as flexible ribbon cables, are routed around the hinge mechanism or through a central hole within the clutch assembly of the hinge. However, these cables must be protected from exposure to the user and from excessive flexure caused by the operation of the clutch assembly, the relative movement of the hinge mechanism, and other computer components. As electronic devices become smaller and thinner, the amount of space available for the clutch assembly, hinge, and cables is limited, making it more difficult to provide a spatial margin for those cables and properly protect them. Accordingly, there is a continuing need for improvements to cables and hinge assemblies for electronic devices. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a portable computing device that can include an upper housing portion that houses a first electronic component, the upper housing portion having a curved surface. The device can also include a lower housing portion pivotally connected to the upper housing portion by a hinge, the lower housing portion housing a second electronic component, and the upper and lower housing portions being pivotable relative to each other between an open position and a closed position. A cable can connect the first and second electronic components, the cable being bendable along the curved surface when the upper and lower housing portions are in the open position. A particle removal mechanism can be disposed between the hinge and the cable to reduce the pressure applied to the cable by particles located between the cable and the curved surface.

[0005] In some embodiments, the particle removal mechanism can include a set of concave channels within the curved surface, or a gap between the curved surface and the cable, when the upper and lower housing portions are in the closed position. The particle removal mechanism can include a barrier that contacts the curved surface. The barrier can be rotatable with the curved surface or slidable relative to the curved surface as the upper and lower housing portions pivot between the open and closed positions. The particle removal mechanism can include a material that is relatively rigid when bent along the width dimension of the cable and relatively flexible when bent along the length dimension of the cable.

[0006] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a laptop computer including a housing having a display portion and a base portion, wherein at least one of the display and the base portion has a mandrel surface, an electronic display within the display portion of the housing, a set of computing components within the base portion of the housing, and a cable connecting the set of computing components and extending between the electronic display and the set of computing components, the cable being bendable on the mandrel surface and the mandrel surface being at least partially spaced apart from the cable when the display portion and the base portion are in the open position.

[0007] In some embodiments, the mandrel surface may include a set of channels. The mandrel surface may be at least partially spaced from the cable within one of the channels of the set of channels. The set of channels may be oriented parallel to the length dimension of the cable. The mandrel surface can include a plurality of different radii, which are measured from the mandrel surface pivot axis. In some configurations, each of the plurality of different radii is perpendicular to the cable at different points of rotation of the mandrel surface about the mandrel surface pivot axis. The plurality of different radii can include a first radius and a second radius, the first radius being smaller than the second radius, and the first radius being disposed at the upper end of the mandrel surface when the display portion and the base portion are in the closed position. The mandrel surface may at least partially contact the cable when the display portion and the base portion are in the open position. The mandrel surface may be at least partially spaced from the cable when the display portion and the base portion are in the closed position.

[0008] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is a first housing assembly having a mandrel, the first housing assembly having a curved surface, a second housing assembly movably connected to the first housing, and a cable extending between the first housing assembly and the second housing assembly. When the first and second housings move relative to each other, the cable can be at least partially wound around the curved surface. The mandrel can include a debris removal portion for preventing or capturing debris between the curved surface and the cable.

[0009] The debris removal portion includes a recess within the mandrel and can collect debris between the mandrel and the cable. The debris removal portion can also include a curved surface or a reduced radius portion of a compressible barrier. The debris removal portion can be configured to primarily distribute the force concentration caused by debris located between the curved surface and the cable along the distribution axis, which is parallel to the axis of rotation of the first housing assembly relative to the second housing assembly. These and other embodiments are detailed below.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010] The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate like structural elements.

[0011]

Figure 1

[0012]

Figure 2A

[0013]

Figure 2B

[0014]

Figure 2C

[0015]

Figure 2D

[0016]

Figure 3

[0017]

Figure 4

[0018]

Figure 5A

[0019]

Figure 5B

[0020]

Figure 5C

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Here, representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings are described in detail. It should be understood that the following description is not intended to limit these embodiments to one preferred embodiment. On the contrary, the following description is intended to encompass alternative forms, modifications, and equivalents that can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims.

[0022] A hinged electronic device may have one or more cables that connect portions of the device through or across the hinge of the device. In certain embodiments, the cables include flexible cables and / or flexible printed circuit boards suitable for transmitting electrical signals between portions of the electronic device connected by the hinge. In the case of a portable computing device (e.g., a laptop computer or notebook computer), one portion of the electronic device may correspond to a lid portion having a display, and another portion may correspond to a base portion that includes an electronic device that communicates with the display via the cable(s). The cable(s) can be routed through the hinge region to transmit electrical signals between components within the lid portion and components within the base portion.

[0023] In some embodiments, the cable is routed over a section of the lid portion, referred to as a mandrel or mandrel portion. The mandrel can be configured to guide the path of the cable and prevent the cable from bending beyond a predetermined angle as the lid portion and base portion of the computer pivot relative to each other. In certain embodiments, the mandrel has a curved surface for providing smooth movement of the cable and limiting the bending of the cable. This surface may be referred to as a mandrel surface or cable contact surface. In some embodiments, the mandrel surface has a constant radius (measured from the pivot axis) over which the cable is routed. In some embodiments, the radius changes as the cable is routed over the mandrel or is different at different contact points on the mandrel.

[0024] In a further embodiment, a cover is routed over the cable to prevent the cable from being directly exposed to the user of the electronic device. In some embodiments, this cover may be a sheet of material(s) having certain physical properties such as elasticity that allow for a certain rigidity and a predetermined movement of the cover and the cable when the electronic device moves between an open position and a closed position. This cover may also have sufficient durability to withstand wear and tear and breakage during the useful life of the electronic device. The cover may have multiple material layers to achieve these and other desirable physical properties. Due to the rigidity of this cover, the lid portion may be capable of driving the cover into the cavity defined by the base portion of the electronic device. In some embodiments, this cover may be visible to the user of the electronic device.

[0025] In some embodiments, the cable is coupled to an electronic component inside the base portion of the electronic device. This cable can be attached to an electronic device such as an integrated circuit or a printed circuit board having a timing control suitable for driving a display assembly. This cable can be routed circumferentially in a winding configuration around a support member disposed inside the base portion. A clip disposed on the guide member can isolate one or more sections of the cable attached to the electronic component by fixing the cable and prevent movement of portions of the cable when the lid portion is rotated relative to the base portion. The other end of the cable can be coupled to an electronic component such as a display assembly inside the lid portion. In some embodiments, the electronic component inside the lid portion may be a touch screen panel (e.g., a capacitive or resistive touch screen display), a camera, a light source, an antenna, or another type of electronic component, and the cable can be configured to provide electrical communication between the components of the base portion and the components of the lid portion. Thus, the electronic component inside the lid portion does not necessarily have to be a display, and the cable may carry signals different from or in addition to the display drive signals.

[0026] The mandrel can be part of a hinge mechanism and can include a cylindrical shaft, a tubular shaft, a pivotal and / or swivel mechanism, or a sliding mechanism. In some devices, the cable and the curved surface of the mandrel are in close proximity when the electronic device is in use, such as when the cable wraps around the curved surface or otherwise moves into contact with the curved surface. The portions of the mandrel can be arranged laterally to the curved surface, such as at different points along the pivot axis of the electronic device, and they may or may not contact or be covered by a flex cable or cover.

[0027] The device can also have a ventilation opening or gap between the lid portion and the base portion of the housing. When dust and other debris or particulate matter of foreign objects pass through the gap, they can be trapped or remain in the gap between the surface of the cable facing the mandrel and the curved surface of the mandrel. If not mitigated, these particles can undesirably and adversely affect the performance of the cable and mandrel by, for example, infiltrating, rubbing, or scratching the cable in a way that can cause early failure or fraying. Frequent repeated rotation between the first and second portions of the hinged electronic device can further exacerbate damage to the cable when the particles protrude against these components. Examples of such foreign particles can include sand, sugar, salt, debris, and other similar particles encountered during normal use of the electronic device. In some cases, the particles have a hard and sharp surface and generally are not highly deformable. In some cases, the particles can range in size from about 10 micrometers to about 1 millimeter.

[0028] Accordingly, aspects of the present disclosure relate to mechanisms for removing pressure on a cable caused by the presence of foreign particles, removing foreign particles from sensitive areas of an electronic device, and preventing foreign particles from entering these sensitive areas. In some embodiments, the mandrel can have a curved surface that includes a set of channels or grooves formed therein, and particles positioned between the cable and the curved surface are configured to remain within the channels or pass through the channels. In this way, the particles can be trapped in a position that exerts little or no pressure on the cable, or they can be passed to a position where they can exit the electronic device.

[0029] In some embodiments, the curved surface of the mandrel can have a variable surface curvature and a plurality of radii from a rotation axis such that a gap can be formed between the cable and the curved surface when the electronic device is in at least one of an open or closed configuration. The formation of the gap can enable the release of particles trapped between the cable and the curved surface or their fall outside the device away from the cable when the device is in a given configuration. The curvature can also include a support portion configured to contact the cable and limit the bending of the cable when the electronic device is in at least one of an open or closed configuration. The variable surface curvature can be configured such that the gap is disposed at a position where the highest pressure can be applied by the particles or at a position deep relative to the entry point of the particles (i.e., a position where particle removal is most difficult and least likely to occur automatically due to the size of the gap or the amount of pressure applied to the cable by the particles within that spot). Accordingly, movement of the mandrel to a first position provides an open space between the cable and the curved surface, and movement of the mandrel to a second position provides contact (or an increase in the contact area) between the cable and the curved surface.

[0030] In some embodiments, a flexible barrier that physically prevents the entry of particles between the cable and the curved surface is provided within the electronic device. The barrier can be attached to the curved surface or the cable and can be compressible in a way that limits the amount of pressure applied to the cable when compressed between the cable and the mandrel during movement of the curved surface. The barrier can also include a flexible tape or similar layer of material disposed between the curved surface and a cable having directional stiffness. The flexible tape can have a composite structure that axially distributes force concentrations caused by foreign particles and thus reduces the local forces applied to the cable.

[0031] The cable assemblies and cable structures described herein can be incorporated within household products. For example, the cable assemblies and cable structures described herein can be used within electronic devices such as computers, portable electronic devices, wearable electronic devices, and electronic device accessories, such as those made by Apple Inc. based in Cupertino, California.

[0032] In the following description, the terms "first portion", "display portion", and "upper housing portion" can refer to the lid portion of a computing device. Generally, the lid portion of a computing device is configured to be in a substantially upright position so that a user can view the display while the device is being operated. In the following description, the terms "second portion", "base portion", and "lower housing portion" can refer to the base of a computing device that is connected to the lid portion and generally includes connections to the device for user interaction with the computing device. Further, in the following description, the term "lower housing portion" can be replaceable with the term "main housing".

[0033] The above-described other embodiments are described below with reference to the respective figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily understand that the forms for implementing the invention given in this specification with respect to these figures are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting.

[0034] FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of an electronic device 100 according to some embodiments. The electronic device 100 can be a laptop computer, a notebook computer, or other similar portable computing device. The electronic device 100 can include a housing having a base portion 102 that can be pivotally connected to a lid portion 104 by a hinge assembly within a hinge region 106. The lid portion 104 and the base portion 102 can be referred to as different sections or parts of the housing of the electronic device 100. The lid portion 104 can pivot relative to the base portion 102, stay in an open position, and pivot back again, with the assistance of the hinge assembly within the hinge region 106. In the closed position, the lid portion 104 can be disposed substantially on top of and parallel to an upper case 114 of the base portion 102.

[0035] The lid portion 104 may include a display 108 and a rear housing or rear cover 110. The base portion 102 may include a bottom case 112 fastened to an upper case 114. The upper case 114 can be configured to accommodate various user input devices such as a keyboard 116 and a touch pad 118 that can be configured to receive finger gesture inputs from a user. The base portion 102 and the lid portion 104 may each define an internal chamber or cavity that houses the internal components of the electronic device 100. Therefore, the lid portion 104 and the base portion 102 may function as a housing for the internal components. Cables such as flexible cables (see FIGS. 2A-2B) can electrically couple the internal components within the base portion 102 and the lid portion 104. Those cables can provide communication between the internal components within the base portion 102 and the lid portion 104 and / or can also provide power to the internal components within the base portion 102 and / or the lid portion 104.

[0036] This specification describes cable assemblies that can be used in conjunction with hinge-type electronic devices such as the electronic device 100. These cable assemblies may include a cover that protects and guides the cable during movement of the hinge-type electronic device. In some embodiments, those covers are visible to the user of the electronic device. For example, the cover may be visible in the hinge region 106 of the electronic device 100.

[0037] FIGS. 2A and 2B show cross-sectional views of a hinge-type electronic device 200. The cross-sectional views are taken along the cut line 2A-2A of FIG. 1. FIG. 2A shows a cross-sectional view of the electronic device 200 in a closed state, and FIG. 2B shows a cross-sectional view of the electronic device 200 in an open state. The electronic device 200 includes a first portion 202 (i.e., a first housing portion) coupled to a second portion 204 (i.e., a second housing portion). The first portion 202 may correspond to a lid portion (or a display portion or an upper housing portion), and the second portion 204 may correspond to the base portion (or a lower housing portion) of the electronic device 200.

[0038] The first portion 202 and the second portion 204 may share a common axis of rotation, or pivot axis 206, with respect to the pivot line. The first portion 202 and the second portion 204 can be pivotally coupled to each other via a suitable hinge mechanism. For example, the hinge mechanism can include one or more clutch mechanisms that provide a predetermined resistance to the opening and closing forces applied by the user and by the weight of the portions 202, 204 of the electronic device 200. The exact hinge mechanism can vary according to the design requirements. The general area around this pivot axis 206 can be referred to as the hinge area 201 of the electronic device 200.

[0039] The electronic device 200 includes a cable 210 for providing electrical communication between the first portion 202 and the second portion 204. For example, the cable 210 can provide an electrical connection between the electronic component 211 of the first portion 202 and the electronic component 212 of the second portion 204. The electronic component 211 can communicate electrically with a display assembly 230 mounted on the first housing 231. The display assembly 230 can include any suitable type of display for use within the electronic device 200, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) and / or an organic light emitting diode (OLED) screen. The first housing 231 and its attached components (e.g., the display assembly 230 and the mandrel 218) can be referred to as the first housing assembly.

[0040] The electronic component 212 can include an integrated circuit and / or a printed circuit board, and can also include a timing control mechanism configured to drive the display assembly 230. The electronic component 212 is housed within a cavity 208 defined by the second housing 205. In some embodiments, the cable 210 provides power from a battery (not shown) within the second housing 205 to the display assembly 230. The second housing 205 and its attached components (e.g., the electronic component 212 or the battery) can be referred to as the second housing assembly. The first and second housing assemblies are movably connected to each other at the hinge region 201.

[0041] The cable 210 can be any suitable type of cable, including a flex cable, a flexible printed circuit board, or any suitable mechanism for transmitting an electrical signal between the portion 202 and the portion 204. In some embodiments, the cable 210 is a ribbon-shaped single-layer flex cable, although a multi-layer flex cable can also be used. Using the single-layer flex cable 210 can reduce the stack height (i.e., the vertical thickness) of the cable 210. The electronic device 200 can include any suitable number of cables 210. In a particular embodiment, the electronic device 200 includes two laterally spaced cables 210.

[0042] The cable 210 can be routed directly between the first portion 202 and the second portion 204 without passing through a clutch mechanism and without passing through the pivot axis 206. Therefore, several mechanisms can be used to guide the movement of the cable 210 when the first portion 202 is pivoted relative to the second portion 204. For example, the hinge region 201 can include a mandrel 218 that can be in the form of a cylindrical portion of the first portion 202 extending along the pivot axis 206.

[0043] When the electronic device 200 moves from the closed state of FIG. 2A to the open state of FIG. 2B, the cable 210 is routed over the curved surface 242 (see FIG. 2C) of the mandrel 218 so that the cable 210 does not buckle or kink. The curved surface can be referred to as a mandrel surface, a cable support surface, a cable contact surface, a cable facing surface, an outer hinge surface, a cable bending limiting surface, or a curved mandrel surface. As shown in FIG. 2B, when the electronic device 200 is rotated to the open configuration, a portion of the cable 210 can assume a shape that curves along the curved surface of the mandrel 218.

[0044] The curved surface of the mandrel 218 can have a radius R (i.e., the axis of rotation of the hinge region 201) defined with respect to the pivot axis 206. The radius R can be constant with respect to the curved surface where the cable 210 contacts the mandrel 218. Alternatively, the surface of the mandrel 218 can have a variable radius where the cable 210 is routed. For example, see FIGS. 3 and the following accompanying description. In some embodiments, the surface of the mandrel 218 is segmented to correspond to sections of the flexible cable 210. Different portions of the axial length of the mandrel surface (i.e., the length extending along or generally parallel to the pivot axis 206) can have different radii. In some embodiments, the mandrel 218 has an axial length that extends substantially across the entire width of the electronic device 200. In some embodiments, the mandrel 218 has a curved surface that includes a continuous curvature, while in other embodiments, the mandrel 218 includes a substantially flat segment that maintains the cable 210 in a substantially flat configuration in a particular section of the cable 210.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 2B, when the electronic device 200 is in an open state, the cover can be used to hide and protect the upper surface of the cable 210 between the portions 202 and 204 in the hinge region 201. The surface of the cable 210 that contacts the cover 222 can be referred to as the cover-facing surface, the upper surface, the user-exposed surface, or the user-visible surface. That surface is disposed on the cable 210 on the side opposite to the surface facing the mandrel of the cable 210. The cover 222 can be flexible, and thus, like the cable 210, can exhibit the curved shape of the mandrel 218 when the electronic device 200 is rotated to an open configuration as shown in FIG. 2B.

[0046] In some embodiments, the radius or curved nature of the surface of the mandrel 218 can impart benefits to the flex cable 210 while the electronic device 200 is rotated between the open and closed configurations. The curved surface design of the mandrel 218 ensures one-way bending of the flex cable 210, facilitating maximization of the cycle life and minimization of the bending stress on the flex cable 210. The flex cable 210 can be configured to always bend in one direction without reversing backward (i.e., the flex cable 210 can be wound up or unwound in a coiled configuration, and the curved surface of the mandrel 218 helps define the minimum bending radius of the hinge region 201). In some embodiments, one-way bending can be an optimal configuration with respect to the cycle life of the flex cable 210, as opposed to bi-directional bending or reverse-direction periodic bending. Further, the curved surface design of the mandrel 218 can facilitate the movement of the flex service loop to be concentrated in a volumetrically efficient space. Thus, the curved surface of the mandrel 218 can apply a force to the flex cable 210 concentrated within the cavity 208 of the second portion 204 while avoiding distorting the flex cable 210 and minimizing the bending stress applied to the flex cable 210 when looped within the cavity 208.

[0047] In some embodiments, when the electronic device 200 rotates between an open state (see FIG. 2B) and a closed state (see FIG. 2A), the flexible cable 210 can be bent in only a single direction. In contrast, a flexible cable designed to bend in multiple directions and concentrated within a volumetrically efficient space (e.g., cavity 208) can impose a significantly greater amount of stress on the winding section of that flexible cable 210. Bending in one direction significantly reduces the amount of stress on the flexible cable 210 and promotes a longer cycle life.

[0048] In some embodiments, the flexible cable 210 is described as bending along a single direction or having a one-directional bend. In some embodiments, direction can refer to the relative position of one location with respect to another location. In some embodiments, direction can refer to the translational motion when a location (or section) of the flexible cable 210 changes position according to the x, y, and z coordinates within a three-dimensional space. Using this convention, the positive z-direction points upward in FIG. 2A, the positive Y-direction points within the page of FIG. 2A, and the positive X-direction points to the right in FIG. 2A.

[0049] In some embodiments, curvature can refer to the amount by which a location (or section) of the flexible cable deviates from a flat or straight line. For example, during the transition of the electronic device from the open state to the closed state, the amount of curvature formed along the winding section of the flexible cable 210 can increase such that (as shown in FIG. 2A) the curvature further deviates from a flat or straight line near the mandrel 218. Similarly, during the transition of the electronic device from the closed state to the open state, the amount of curvature formed along the winding section of the flexible cable 210 near the electronic component 212 can decrease (as shown in FIG. 2B).

[0050] In some embodiments, the amount by which the flex cable 210 bends may be inversely proportional to the current angle between the first portion 202 and the second portion 204. In some examples, the curved surface of the mandrel 218 may impose a greater amount of (in a single direction) bending on the flex cable 210 when the first portion 202 pivots relative to the second portion 204 at an angle less than 90 degrees, as opposed to when the angle between the first portion 202 and the second portion 204 pivots beyond 90 degrees. In other words, as the angle between the first portion 202 and the second portion 204 decreases and the electronic device 200 increasingly approaches being characterized as having a closed configuration, the amount of bending in the winding section of the flex cable 210 may increase. In some embodiments, the first portion 202 and the second portion 204 may pivot relative to each other at an angle of from about 0 degrees to about 200 degrees.

[0051] In some embodiments, a section of the flex cable 210 is mechanically captured by the second portion 204. In some embodiments, a section of the flex cable 210 is mechanically captured by the first portion 202. The term mechanically captured can be taken to mean surrounded or contained by at least one of an enclosure, a tensioning mechanism, a hook, or a castellation of either the first portion 202 or the second portion 204 of the flex cable 210.

[0052] In some embodiments, when the electronic device transitions from an open state to a closed state, the winding section of the flex cable 210 that is mechanically captured by the second portion 204 can be further wound into a coiled configuration. In some embodiments, the amount of bending imposed on a section of the flex cable 210 that is mechanically captured by the first portion 202 can be independent of the amount of bending imposed on a section of the flex cable 210 that is mechanically captured by the second portion 204.

[0053] In some embodiments, a section of the flex cable 210 mechanically captured by the first portion 202 can be routed over the curved surface of the mandrel 218. As shown in FIG. 2A, a section of the flex cable 210 mechanically captured by the first portion 202 can have a substantially linear shape in the closed configuration. After the electronic device 200 rotates from the closed configuration to the open configuration, the curved surface of the mandrel 218 can exert a tension on the flex cable 210 such that the amount of bend or curvature formed on this section of the flex cable 210 increases as the flex cable 210 is routed over the curved surface of the mandrel 218. The flex cable 210 can be made to bend in a single direction such that the bend or curvature of the flex cable 210 corresponds to the curvature of the curved surface. The curved surface of the mandrel 218 has a radius R defined with respect to the pivot axis 206. In some embodiments, the curved surface of the mandrel 218 can define the minimum bend radius of the flex cable 210. For example, the mandrel 218 can have a curved surface with a radius of 10 millimeters from the pivot axis 206. Thus, the curved surface of the mandrel 218 can define that the flex cable 210 has a minimum bend radius of at least 10 millimeters or more while the electronic device 200 is in the open configuration.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 2B, the winding section of the cable 210 can be mechanically captured by the second portion 204. As the electronic device 200 transitions from the closed configuration to the open configuration, the amount by which the winding section of the flex cable 210 bends within the second portion 204 can decrease, causing the flex cable to gradually unwind. In the open configuration, the curved surface of the mandrel 218 and the structural or support member 214 can cooperate to exert a greater amount of tension on the flex cable 210, thereby reducing the amount of bending. For example, in the open configuration, one side of the flex cable 210 can be held against the curved surface of the support member 214. This is in contrast to the closed configuration (see FIG. 2A) where that portion of the flex cable 210 does not contact (or has significantly less contact) the curved surface of the support member 214. In some embodiments, the curved surface of the support member 214 can reduce the amount of wear exerted on the flex cable 210 when the two components contact each other.

[0055] Furthermore, FIG. 2B shows that the design of the curved surface of the mandrel 218 can facilitate concentrating the movement of the flex service loop within the cavity 208. Thus, the curved surface of the mandrel 218 can act on the flex cable 210 concentrated within the cavity 208 of the second portion 204 while avoiding distorting the flex cable 210 or minimizing the bending stress applied to the flex cable 210 when looped within the cavity 208.

[0056] In some embodiments, the benefits imparted to the flex cable 210 by the curved surface of the mandrel 218 can similarly be imparted to a cover 222 that covers and protects one side of the cable 210 in the hinge region.

[0057] The first end 222a of the cover 222 can be disposed within the first portion 202 of the electronic device 200, and the second end 222b of the cover 222 can be disposed within the second portion 204 of the electronic device. Since the cover 222 can be exposed, the cover 222 can be made of a material having sufficient durability to withstand wear and tear associated with direct exposure to the user. For example, the cover 222 may encounter objects that are inserted into or dropped onto the hinge region 201. The cover 222 can also be sufficiently flexible to bend with the cable 210 when the electronic device 200 transitions between the open and closed states. The cover 222 and the mandrel 218 can be designed to have a particular aesthetic appearance, such as each having the same or different colors, or each having the same or different surface appearances.

[0058] Another consideration in selecting a material for the cover 222 is how the cover 222 moves during opening and closing of the electronic device 200. For example, the cover 222 can have an inherent stiffness and elasticity that creates a resistance force when the cover 222 bends over the mandrel 218 when the electronic device 200 moves from the closed (FIG. 2A) position to the open (FIG. 2B) position. This resistance force allows the cover 222 to return to its original shape when the electronic device 200 is returned to the closed (FIG. 2A) position. In this way, the cover 222 does not wrinkle or buckle at the hinge region 201. That is, if the cover 222 is made of a material that is not sufficiently rigid, wrinkles or creases may occur at the hinge region 201.

[0059] The rigidity of this cover 222 can also at least partially define the movement of the cable 210. For example, the side surface of the cover 222 exposed to the user can be constrained near the first end 222a by the anchor 209 and near the second end 222b by the retaining rib 207. The anchor 209 and the retaining rib 207 can function as a retaining mechanism to keep the cover 222 from shifting from a predetermined position and to keep the cover 222 on the cable 210 when the electronic device 200 rotates between the closed position and the open position. In some embodiments, the anchor 209 is made of a rigid material such as a metallic material (e.g., stainless steel). The first end 222a can be coupled to the anchor 209 using, for example, an adhesive and / or a fastener(s) such as one or more screws. In some embodiments, the retaining rib 207 and the seal 226 can include a low friction material such as a fluoropolymer material (e.g., polytetrafluoroethylene or TEFLON (trademark)) that allows the cover 222 to slide freely during opening and closing of the electronic device 200. In other words, the second end 222b is not fastened and can move freely with respect to the cable 210 and the seal 226. Accordingly, the second end 222b can slide freely along the upper surface of the cable 210 and within the second housing 205. The retaining rib 207 can cooperate with a lip 228 (see FIG. 2A) on the inner surface of the cavity 208 to hold the second end 222b within the cavity 208. The lip 228 can be an integrally formed part of the second housing 205 or can be a separate component coupled to the inner surface of the cavity 208, such as part of the seal 226.

[0060] The cable 210 can move relative to the electronic component 212. For example, during the rotation of the first portion 202 relative to the second portion 204, the movement of the cable 210 at the connection point 213 to the electronic component 212 can be minimized to prevent fatigue of the cable 210. Excessive bending and fatigue of the cable 210 can cause the cable 210 to fail, and the connection point 213 may be susceptible to the effects of such fatigue. Therefore, an isolation mechanism can be used to isolate portions of the cable 210 proximate to the connection point 213. Such an isolation mechanism may include a support member 214 capable of supporting the cable 210. In some cases, the support member 214 is attached to a plate that is part of the electronic component 212 or a plate proximate to the electronic component 212. The cable 210 can be routed around the support member 214, and by using a clip 216, the cable 210 can be fixed to the support member 214 to isolate the length of the cable between the clip 216 and the connection point 213 from movement. The support member 214 may have a curved surface that guides the cable 210 as the cable 210 is drawn out of the cavity 208.

[0061] The unshielded section of the cable 210 that extends between the clip 216 and the retaining rib 207 can move freely within the cavity 208 when the first portion 202 is rotated relative to the second portion 204. However, since the cable 210 is routed around the support member 214, the cable 210 maintains a concave curvature, which prevents the cable 210 from bending between concave and convex curvatures and also prevents the cable 210 from bending below a predetermined radius, thereby reducing the fatigue of the cable 210. This winding configuration allows for a relatively long cable 210 intake length during rotation of the electronic device 200 and can reduce the stress acting on the cable 210. That is, the cable 210 can freely "float" within the cavity 208. In other words, the cable 210 can be configured to not contact any other components along the length direction of the cable 210 disposed between the support member 214 and the retaining rib 207 or the cover 222. Another advantage of this winding configuration is that the distance between the retaining rib 207 and the wall 234 of the second housing 205 required to accommodate the cable 210 can also be reduced.

[0062] In some embodiments, the electronic device 200 has a ventilation gap 224 suitable for allowing air flow to enter and exit the cavity 208 to cool the electronic component 212 and other components housed inside the cavity 208. The ventilation gap 224 is disposed between a first portion 202 and a second portion 204 of the electronic device 200 near the hinge region 201. Depending on the cooling requirements, the ventilation gap 224 can be sized large enough to allow access to the components within the cavity 208, including the cable 210, when the electronic device 200 is in the closed position. Thus, a blocking member 220 (i.e., a ventilation opening wall or a housing barrier) can be used to restrict access to the cavity 208. The blocking member 220 can be an integral part of the second housing 205 or a separate component coupled to the second housing 205. In some embodiments, the blocking member 220 is coupled to the inner surface within the cavity 208 in proximity to the ventilation gap 224. The blocking member 220 may have provisions such as through holes or apertures to allow further ventilation of the cavity 208. As shown, the cable 210 can be routed between the blocking member 220 and the lip 228 as the cable 210 exits the second housing portion 204.

[0063] As described above, the cover 222 should be made of a material that is flexible enough to allow the cover 222 to bend over the cable 210 and the mandrel 218 during the opening of the electronic device 200. However, the cover 222 should also be rigid and elastic enough to provide resistance to its bending so that when the electronic device 200 is closed again, the cover 222 returns to its original configuration. For example, the section of the cover 222 between the pivot axis 206 and the retaining rib 207 can return to a substantially flat shape when the electronic device 200 is returned to the closed state (as shown in FIG. 2A). In some embodiments, the cover 222 is non-conductive to prevent the cover 222 from electrically interfering with the internal components of the electronic device 200. In some embodiments, the cover 222 is made of a single sheet of material, such as a composite fiber material. For example, the cover 222 can be made of a single sheet of glass fiber material and / or carbon fiber material that is embedded in or injected with a polymer such as polyurethane. In some embodiments, the cover 222 is a laminated sheet that includes layers of different materials.

[0064] The electronic device 200 can include a mandrel 218 having a curved surface that closely contacts or is closely proximate to the surface facing the mandrel of the cable 210 when the device 200 is moved between an open position and a closed position. In some cases, the size of the ventilation gap 224 can allow particles or other undesirable foreign objects to pass between the first portion 202 and the second portion 204 and stick to the curved surface of the mandrel 218, stick to the cable 210, or remain between the mandrel 218 and the cable 210. These particles are often hard and angular such that they can apply a local high pressure to the cable 210 that can cause a failure or other malfunction of the cable 210, particularly when the device 200 is in an open state and the cable 210 is held closely against the mandrel 218. Thus, in some embodiments, a particle removal mechanism disposed within the hinge region 201 is used between the hinge / pivot axis and the cable 210, such as the mandrel 218 having a debris removal portion. The particle removal mechanism can limit damage or interference to the operation of the electronic device 200 caused by the entry of particles between the mandrel 218 and the cable 210.

[0065] In one embodiment, the mandrel 218 includes at least one channel 240 or groove configured to assist in the capture or discharge of particles between the mandrel 218 and the cable 210. In some embodiments, a set of channels or a series of channels can be formed within the mandrel 218 to allow for the discharge of particles over the length dimension of the mandrel 218. FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate features of the channel 240. FIG. 2C is a front cross-sectional view of the cable 210, the cover 222, and the mandrel 218, shown by the cut line 2C-2C of FIG. 2A. FIG. 2D is an isometric view of the portion of the mandrel 218 facing the cable.

[0066] Channel 240 can be concave within the curved surface 242 of mandrel 218, and each channel 240 includes a reduced radius S (measured from the axis of rotation 206) as compared to the radius R of the adjacent curved surface 242. See FIGS. 2A - 2C. FIG. 2C also shows that the lateral or uncovered portion 246 of mandrel 218 can have a greater radius T than the covered portion 244 disposed under cover 222 or cable 210. Mandrel 218 can include a plurality of covered portions 244, such as one covered portion 244 for each cable 210 or cover 222 within electronic device 200, for example.

[0067] Channel 240 can be formed along at least one covered portion 244 of mandrel 218 that is covered or contacted by cable 210 or cover 222. The portions of the curved surface 242 between channels 240 (e.g., intermediate portion 248) can have equal radii (e.g., radius R) and surface curvature so as to enable providing equal support to cable 210 across the gaps created by the presence of channels 240 on mandrel 218. Thus, the number of channels 240, their individual widths W, and their placement within covered portion 244 are sufficient to receive a predetermined particle size between channel 240 and cable 210 while also being configured to be small enough by the intermediate portion (e.g., 248) of curved surface 242 to limit cable slack or increased pressure on cable 210. In some embodiments, three channels 240 are implemented, and in some cases, more or fewer channels can be used. In some embodiments, the width W of channel 240 can be made approximately equal to the width of the intermediate portion (e.g., 248) of curved surface 242 measured parallel to pivot axis 206.

[0068] Channel 240 can have a cross-sectional profile that is substantially rectangular or square, as shown in FIG. 2C. Thus, channel 240 can include two opposing sidewalls 250 that intersect at a right angle at the substrate surface 252. As shown in FIG. 2D, channel 240 can also include a vertical end wall 254. Each end of the channel can have an end wall 254. In some configurations, the cross-sectional profile of each channel 240 can include a semi-circle, semi-ellipse, triangle, or a curved substrate surface 252. Further, the depth of channel 240 can taper or curve with respect to the curved surface 242 rather than forming an end wall 254. A shape profile having any of these characteristics can be selected based on the type of particles or other foreign matter that the designer anticipates the surface 242 will encounter. For example, the shape of channel 240 can be selected to be large enough to prevent static gravitational or surface tension forces from stopping particles, or to prevent droplets of a particular size or composition from exiting channel 240.

[0069] Channel 240 can have a length measured in the circumferential direction (i.e., the length of the arc measured with respect to the pivot axis 206). This length can be measured along the substrate surface 252 from the first end wall 254 to the opposite end wall within the same channel 240. This length can extend around at least a portion of the circumferential length of the curved surface 242 of the mandrel 218. As shown by the dashed lines in FIGS. 2A and 2B, channel 240 can have a length that extends over an arc of approximately 120 degrees on the curved surface 242. In some embodiments, an arc that extends over an arc of approximately 90 degrees, approximately 180 degrees, or an angle ranging from approximately 60 degrees to approximately 270 degrees can be used. The arc length can be selected to ensure that when the particle is located between the curved surface 242 and the cable 210, channel 240 coincides with the portion of the curved surface 242 and the cable 210 that is most susceptible to damage or interference. For example, the arc length can be selected to cover the entire range of possible contact between the cable 210 and the curved surface 242, or across the entire curved surface 242. The arc length can also be proportionally related to the maximum relative rotation between the first portion 202 and the second portion 204. In some embodiments, channel 240 is configured to extend adjacent to and away from cable 210 when the electronic device 300 is in the closed position, as shown in FIG. 2A, because this is a position where the particles are more exposed and can exit from channel 240 through the ventilation gap 224.

[0070] Particles passing between the mandrel 218 and the cable 210 can pass through the channel 240 where there is more space between the channel surface and the cable 210, rather than being located between the curved surface 242 and the cable 210 where they could rub against the cable 210 or otherwise apply pressure. In this way, the channel 240 can form a series of gaps between the mandrel 281 and the cable 210 or the cover 222. Additionally, the length of the channel 240 can be such that particles within the channel can move circumferentially around the mandrel 218 and exit through the ventilation gap 224. For example, this particle movement can occur when the first and second portions 202, 204 rotate relative to each other, when the electronic device 200 moves and reorients as a whole, or when a fluid (e.g., compressed air) passes through the channel 240 to remove any internal particles.

[0071] FIG. 3 shows a side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a particle removal system for an electronic device 300. Elements having corresponding numbering in FIGS. 2A and 3 correspond in their features and functions. Some elements are omitted for clarity. The electronic device 300 can include a biasing mechanism 356 (i.e., a retraction mechanism or a tension assist device) attached to an end 322b of the cover 322. In some embodiments, the end 322b of the cover 322 can be configured to wrap around and be disposed within the biasing mechanism 356. The biasing mechanism 356 can include a biasing member (e.g., a coil spring) to provide a tension that keeps the cover 322 in a tensioned state. This can be beneficial when the electronic device 300 transitions from an open state to a closed state and the cover 322 is passing through the second portion 304. The force applied to the cover 322 can be oriented within the cavity 308 of the second portion 304 in a direction substantially parallel to the flat portion of the cable 310. The biasing mechanism 356 can help prevent bunching, folding, or other undesirable flexing of the cover 322 as the cover 322 moves within the second portion 304. Keeping the cover 322 smooth can also help keep the cable 310 smooth as the cover 322 moves. A smooth cable 310 can move more predictably and potentially with less pressure against the surface of the mandrel 318. The reduced force between the mandrel 318 and the cable 310 can help reduce the likelihood that particles will be trapped or damage will be caused between the cable 310 and the mandrel 318.

[0072] In some embodiments, the tension of the tension applying mechanism 356 can be optimized to be low enough so as not to apply excessive pressure from the cover 322 to the cable 310, while being high enough to ensure that the cover 322 smoothly retracts into the second portion 304. In this way, when a foreign object is located between the cable 310 and the mandrel 318, the tension within the cover 322 is low enough to allow the cable 310 to move slightly away from the mandrel 318 as the mandrel 318 moves, thereby reducing the likelihood that the foreign object will be trapped within the electronic device 300. Accordingly, the particle removal mechanism of the electronic device 300 can include a calibrated tension applying mechanism 355 configured to allow displacement of the cable 310 away from the surface of the mandrel 318 while applying a retraction tension to the cover 322.

[0073] The mandrel 318 can include a curved surface 342 having a variable curvature along its circumferential length direction. As shown in FIG. 3, the pivot axis 306 can be disposed closer to some portions of the curved surface 342 than to other portions of the curved surface 342. When the electronic device 300 is in the closed position, the curved surface 342 can include a first circumferential length portion 358 generally facing towards the cable 310 and a second circumferential length portion 360 generally facing in another direction (e.g., parallel to or away from the cable 310). As shown in FIG. 3, the first circumferential length portion 358 can be generally closer to the pivot axis 306 than the second circumferential length portion 360. The curved surface 342 can include a reduced radial thickness (i.e., thickness relative to the pivot axis 306) in the first portion compared to the second portion. The distance between the curved surface 342 and the cable 310 can be reduced as the electronic device 300 is opened and can be increased as the electronic device 300 is closed.

[0074] Thus, while the electronic device 300 is in the closed configuration, a gap 362 can be formed between the mandrel 318 and the cable 310. The gap 362 allows any foreign matter on the mandrel 318 to fall out of the ventilation gap 324 or fall off the cable 310 when the mandrel 318 rotates without contacting the surface facing the mandrel of the cable 310. When the electronic device 300 is opened, the mandrel 318 can rotate to a position where the second circumferential length portion 360 contacts the surface facing the mandrel of the cable 310, thereby restricting the bending radius of the cable 310 that contacts the mandrel 318. The second circumferential length portion 360 can have a radius from the pivot axis 306 equal to the radius R of the mandrel 218, and the first circumferential length portion 358 can have one or more radii from the pivot axis 306 that are smaller than the radius R. In this way, the mandrel 318 can have a plurality of different radii, including a first radius (directed in the direction of the cable 310 from the pivot axis 306) that is smaller than the second radius (R), and the first radius can face the cable 310 when the device 300 is in the closed configuration. The first radius can be referred to as the reduced radius portion of the curved surface 342 of the mandrel 318.

[0075] The curved surface 342 having variable curvature can extend along the longitudinal direction of the pivot axis 306. For example, the curved surface 342 can extend along a portion of the mandrel 318 covered by the cable 310 or the cover 322 (similar to, for example, the portion 244). Other portions of the outer surface of the mandrel can have different curvatures or surface profiles (similar to, for example, the portion 246). In some embodiments, the curved surface 342 can include a section having a constant or non-changing curvature (similar to, for example, the intermediate portion 248) and at least one additional section having a non-uniform curvature as shown in FIG. 3. For example, the base surface of the channel or groove within the mandrel 318 can have the variable curvature profile of the curved surface 342 (similar to, for example, the base surface 252).

[0076] FIG. 4 shows a side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the electronic device 400. Elements having corresponding numbering in FIGS. 2A, 3, and 4 correspond in their features and functions. Some elements are omitted for clarity. In this embodiment, the mandrel 418 has a curved surface that contacts the barrier 464. The barrier 464 can be disposed on the curved surface 442 such that (as shown in FIG. 4) when the electronic device 400 is in a closed configuration, the substrate of the barrier 464 extends radially away from the curved surface 442 between the mandrel 418 and the cable 410. The size and arrangement of the barrier 464 can physically prevent the movement of particles entering the ventilation gap 424 from passing into the gap between the mandrel 418 and the cable 410.

[0077] The barrier 464 can move with the rotation of the mandrel 418. Thus, the barrier 464 may be between the mandrel 418 and the cable 410 when the electronic device 400 is opened. Therefore, the barrier 464 can include an elastically compressible material such as a light foam. By having high compressibility, the barrier 464 can be configured to apply a minimal pressure to the cable 410 when compressed between the cable 210 and the mandrel 418. As the mandrel 418 moves, the barrier 464 can remain in contact with the mandrel 418 and maintain the cable 410 through its movement cycle, thereby ensuring that no gap is formed between the barrier 464 and the cable 410 or between the barrier 464 and the mandrel 418.

[0078] In various embodiments, the barrier 464 can be attached to the mandrel 418, the cable 410, or the blocking member 420. For example, the barrier 464 can be attached to the cable 410 at the position shown in FIG. 4. In some embodiments, a barrier can be disposed between the curved surface 442 and the blocking member 420 (i.e., the housing wall), as shown by the dashed line as the barrier 465. In this way, the barrier 465 can prevent debris from entering past the blocking member 420 (e.g., into the cavity 408) and can provide a seal that prevents debris from passing between the mandrel 418 and the cable 410, at least while the electronic device 400 is in the closed position. In some embodiments, the barrier 464 / 465 can be configured to brush, wipe, or sweep debris on the curved surface 442 or the cable 410 as the mandrel 418 rotates, such that the debris does not pass deeper into the electronic device 200. The barrier 464 / 465 can be slidable relative to the curved surface 442.

[0079] FIG. 5A is a side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an electronic device 500. Elements having corresponding numbering in FIGS. 2A, 3, 4, and 5A-5C correspond in their features and functions. Some elements are omitted for clarity. In this case, the cable 510 can include a protective layer 566 configured to contact the mandrel 518 and face the ventilation gap 524. Accordingly, the protective layer 566 can be disposed on the cable 510 on the side opposite the cover 522. The protective layer 566 generally faces in a downward direction near the mandrel 518 as compared to the orientation facing upward of the cover 522. The protective layer 566 can extend along at least a portion of the entire length of the side of the cable 510 facing the mandrel. As used herein, the curved surface 542 of the mandrel 518 "touches" or "contacts" the cable 510 when contacting a layer that covers and moves with the cable 510, and includes the protective layer 566 that covers and moves with the cable 510.

[0080] The protective layer 566 can reinforce and strengthen the cable 510. For example, the protective layer 566 can include a durable material (such as rubber or plastic) that is elastic against pressure applied by small hard particles (such as sand or salt grains). Thus, when debris passes between the mandrel 518 and the protective layer 566, the protective layer 566 can absorb and distribute the pressure applied by the debris to prevent the cable 510 from being locally bent by the debris or to expand the deformation region caused by the debris, such that the overall region thereof encounters a lower concentrated pressure (and related deformation) than if the protective layer 566 were omitted.

[0081] In some embodiments, the mandrel 518 can include a durable or compressible material. For example, the curved surface 542 of the mandrel 518 can be compressible in the radially inward direction. In this way, the particles between the mandrel 518 and the cable 510 can be accommodated by the compression of the mandrel 518, thereby applying a reduced pressure or less deformation to the cable 510. In some embodiments, both the protective layer 566 and the curved surface 542 are compressible, providing additional flexibility and pressure / deformation reduction.

[0082] The protective layer 566 can be configured to help discharge debris located between the cable 510 and the mandrel 518. In some embodiments, the protective layer 566 can have a series of grooves and ridges extending parallel to the pivot axis 506, as shown in an isometric view of the surface 568 of the protective layer 566 and the cable 510 facing the mandrel, shown in FIG. 5B. The grooves 570 and the ridges 572 can be alternately arranged along at least a portion of the length of the protective layer 566. Particles passing between the surface 568 facing the mandrel and the mandrel 518 can be trapped in one of the grooves 570 or blocked by one of the adjacent ridges 572, rather than passing deeper through the gap between the mandrel 518 and the cable 510 when the electronic device 500 is operated. Additionally, the curvature of the protective layer 566 can be varied so that the protective layer 566 contacts and separates from the curved surface 542, which can help break apart loose particles in contact with the protective layer 566, particularly when the particles are held in place by the grooves 570 and the adjacent ridges 572. By ensuring a small gap between the protective layer 566 and the curved surface 542, it can be possible for larger particles to roll off the curved surface 542 due to the movement of the protective layer 566.

[0083] The protective layer 566 may also include a structural reinforcement and directional stiffness. As shown in the side cross-sectional view of FIG. 5C taken along the cutting line 5C-5C of FIG. 5B, a set of reinforcing fibers 574 can extend through the protective layer 566. The reinforcing fibers 574 can be disposed within a more flexible and bendable binding material 576. The reinforcing fibers 574 can have a length that extends substantially parallel to the pivot axis 506 of the electronic device 500 and can be aligned in one direction. In this way, the protective layer 566 can increase the resistance to bending along the axis of the reinforcing fibers 574, while the binding material 576 still allows the protective layer 566 to bend around the pivot axis 506. In other words, as shown in FIG. 5B, the protective layer 566 can be significantly more flexible when bending about an axis 578 parallel to the reinforcing fibers 574 as compared to bending about an axis 580 perpendicular to the reinforcing fibers 574. Thus, the protective layer 566 can be referred to as having a flexibility profile like that of a "bamboo roller". With this flexible profile, when a particle applies a concentrated pressure P to a small area at the bottom of the protective layer 566 (see FIG. 5B), the pressure P can deform the protective layer 566 over a greater length along a direction parallel to the axis 578 than along the direction along the axis 580 as indicated by the region P A shown. Thus, the pressure P is distributed over a wider surface area of the cable 510 than if the protective layer 566 were not present, but the protective layer 566 is still very flexible while bending around the mandrel 518. Thus, the material of the protective layer 566 can be referred to as being relatively rigid when bending along the width dimension of the cable 510 (e.g., along the pivot axis 506) and relatively flexible when bending along the length dimension of the cable 510 (e.g., across FIG. 5A). The protective layer 566 can also be referred to as a barrier attached to the cable 510 or a barrier layer of the cable 510.

[0084] In this way, increasing the surface area of the deformation caused by the concentrated pressure P can help limit damage to the cable 510, or can help limit the extent to which the pressure P hinders the movement of the cable 510. Also, the reinforcing fibers 574 can all be parallel to the pivot axis 506 rather than some fibers parallel to the axis 580 so that the protective layer 566 can bend more freely when it is wound around the mandrel 518.

[0085] In some embodiments, the protective layer 566 can include a set of reinforcing fibers that extend parallel to both of the axes 578, 580 and perpendicular to each other. For example, the fibers can be in a substantially perpendicular configuration such as a woven or lattice pattern. In this case, the fibers can spread the deformation caused by the concentrated pressure P over a larger area. This cross - fiber configuration can be beneficial for portions of the protective layer 566 that are less bendable than others, such as portions of the protective layer 566 that do not contact the mandrel 518 when the electronic device 500 is opened and closed.

[0086] Within the scope applicable to current technology, by collecting and using data available from various sources, the delivery of invitation content or any other content that a user may be interested in to users can be improved. The present disclosure contemplates that in some instances, this collected data may include personal information data that uniquely identifies a particular person, or personal information data that can be used to contact a particular person or locate their whereabouts. Such personal information data can include demographic data, location - based data, phone numbers, email addresses, Twitter (registered trademark) IDs, addresses, data or records regarding a user's health or fitness level (e.g., vital sign measurements, medication information, exercise information), birthdays, or any other identifying or personal information.

[0087] The present disclosure recognizes that the use of such personal information data in the present technology can be a use that benefits the user. For example, personal information data may be used to deliver content that is more appealing to the user's interests. Accordingly, the use of such personal information data enables the user to have calculated control over the content to be delivered. Furthermore, other uses of personal information data that benefit the user are also contemplated by the present disclosure. For example, health data and fitness data can be used to provide insights into the user's overall well-being, or can be used as positive feedback to individuals who are using technologies to pursue wellness goals.

[0088] The present disclosure contemplates that entities involved in the collection, analysis, disclosure, transmission, storage, or other use of such personal information data will comply with robust privacy policies and / or privacy practices. Specifically, such entities should implement and consistently use privacy policies and practices that meet or exceed industry or government requirements for maintaining the confidentiality of personal information data. Such policies should be readily accessible to users and updated as the collection and / or use of the data changes. Personal information from users should be collected for legitimate and proper uses of the entity and not shared or sold except for those legitimate uses. Further, such collection / sharing should be carried out after informing the user and obtaining consent. Further, such entities should consider taking all necessary measures to protect and secure access to such personal information data and ensure that others with access to such personal information data comply with their privacy policies and procedures. Further, such entities should be able to subject themselves to third-party evaluations to demonstrate their compliance with widely accepted privacy policies and practices. Further, the policies and practices should be tailored to the specific types of personal information data collected and / or accessed and should comply with applicable laws and regulations, including jurisdiction-specific considerations. For example, in the United States, the collection or access to certain health data can be regulated by federal and / or state laws such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), while health data in other countries can be subject to other regulations and policies and should be addressed accordingly. Therefore, different privacy practices should be maintained for different types of personal data in different countries.

[0089] Notwithstanding the foregoing, the present disclosure also contemplates embodiments in which a user can selectively block the use or access to personal information data. That is, the present disclosure contemplates that hardware elements and / or software elements can be provided to prevent or block access to such personal information data. For example, in the case of an advertising delivery service, the present technology can be configured such that a user can select "opt-in" or "opt-out" of participating in the collection of personal information data during or at any time after registration for the service. In another example, a user can select not to provide mood-related data to a target content delivery service. In yet another example, a user can select to limit the period during which mood-related data is maintained or to completely prohibit the development of a reference mood profile. In addition to providing "opt-in" and "opt-out" options, the present disclosure contemplates providing notice regarding access or use of personal information. For example, a user can be notified upon downloading an app that will access the user's personal information data, and then again alerted just prior to the personal information data being accessed by the app.

[0090] Furthermore, it is an aspect of the present disclosure that personal information data should be managed and processed in a manner that minimizes the risk of unintentional or unauthorized access or use. The risk can be minimized by restricting the collection of data and deleting it when it is no longer needed. Furthermore, in certain health-related applications, when applicable, data anonymization can be used to protect a user's privacy. Anonymization can be facilitated, when appropriate, by removing certain identifiers (e.g., date of birth, etc.), controlling the amount or specificity of the data stored (e.g., collecting location data at the city level rather than the address level), controlling how the data is stored (e.g., aggregating the data across all users), and / or other means.

[0091] Accordingly, while the present disclosure encompasses the use of personal information data for implementing one or more various disclosed embodiments, the present disclosure also contemplates that it is also possible to implement those various embodiments without the need to access such personal information data. That is, the various embodiments of the present technology are not rendered inoperable by the absence of all or a portion of such personal information data. For example, content can be selected and delivered to a user by inferring preferences based on non-personal information data, such as content requested by a device associated with the user, other non-personal information available for use in a content delivery service, or minimally amounts of personal information and publicly available information.

[0092] In the foregoing description, for the purposes of explanation, specific terminology has been employed in order to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Accordingly, the foregoing description of the specific embodiments described herein is presented for purposes of illustration and description. These descriptions are not intended to be exhaustive nor to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings.

Claims

1. 1. A laptop computer comprising: a housing having a display portion and a base portion, at least one of the display portion and the base portion having a mandrel surface, the mandrel surface having a variable radius measured from a mandrel surface pivot axis; an electronic display within the display portion of the housing; a set of computing components within the base portion of the housing; and a cable connecting the set of computing components and extending between the electronic display and the set of computing components, the cable being bendable over the mandrel surface; Equipped with the variable radius includes a first radius and a second radius, the first radius being smaller than the second radius, and the first radius being located at an upper end of the mandrel surface when the display portion and the base portion are in a closed position.

2. 2. The laptop computer of claim 1, wherein the variable radius is at a substrate surface of a channel in the mandrel surface.

3. 2. The laptop computer of claim 1, wherein the mandrel surface is spaced from the cable when the display portion and the base portion are in a closed position.

4. The laptop computer of claim 1 , further comprising a tensioning mechanism configured to apply tension to the cable.

5. 2. The laptop computer of claim 1, wherein the first and second radii are located on different circumferential lengths of the mandrel face.

6. 2. The laptop computer of claim 1, wherein the mandrel surface is configured to contact the cable when the display portion and the base portion are in an open position.

7. 10. The laptop computer of claim 1, wherein the distance between the mandrel surface and the cable is configured to decrease as the laptop computer is opened.

8. 1. A computing device comprising: a first housing assembly having a mandrel; a second housing assembly movably connected to the first housing assembly; a cable extending between the first and second housing assemblies, the cable being capable of at least partially wrapping around the mandrel as the first and second housing assemblies move relative to one another; and a protective layer disposed between the mandrel and the cable; Equipped with A computing device, wherein the protective layer comprises a material that has relatively greater stiffness when bending along a width dimension of the cable than when bending along a length dimension of the cable.

9. 10. The computing device of claim 8, wherein the protective layer comprises a material that is relatively stiff along a width dimension of the cable when bent and relatively flexible along a length dimension of the cable when bent.

10. The computing device of claim 8 , wherein the protective layer includes a plurality of ridges running perpendicular to a length dimension of the cable.

11. The computing device of claim 8 , wherein the protective layer further comprises a plurality of reinforcing fibers disposed in the protective layer.

12. The computing device of claim 8 , wherein at least one of the mandrel or the protective layer comprises a compressible material.

13. 9. The computing device of claim 8, wherein the protective layer is configured to primarily distribute force concentrations caused by debris located between the mandrel and the cable along a distribution axis, the distribution axis being parallel to a rotation axis of the first housing assembly relative to the second housing assembly.

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