Axial Interconnects for Foldable Hinge Angular Range
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for foldable electronic devices face limitations in angular range and size due to the need for additional tension devices and increased barrel housing for interconnects, which restricts the internal footprint and mechanical robustness.
Innovation Solution
The use of interconnects with a fixed and free portion, where the fixed portion is housed within the hinge axis and the free portion is coincident with the hinge axis, reducing mechanical strain and eliminating the need for rollers and tensioning mechanisms, allowing for a wider angular range without increasing the hinge size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If extended interconnects are used to accommodate larger angular ranges, then the angular range is improved, but the hinge size increases due to additional tension devices and larger barrel housing
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of extending interconnects outward from the hinge barrel, the patent inverts the arrangement by routing interconnects axially through the hinge axis. The interconnects pass through the mandrel along the axis of rotation, allowing the hinge to achieve larger angular ranges without increasing the barrel housing volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a radial interconnect arrangement (parallel to hinge mandrel) to an axial arrangement (coincident with hinge axis). This dimensional change allows interconnects to accommodate larger angular ranges by utilizing the axial space within the existing hinge volume, eliminating the need for additional tension devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If interconnects are routed parallel to the hinge mandrel, then the angular range is limited, but the hinge size increases due to larger barrel housing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional radial routing approach by implementing axial routing through the hinge axis. This allows interconnects to extend further effectively along the rotation axis without increasing the radial dimensions of the barrel housing, thus maintaining compact hinge size while improving angular range.
Solution Approach 2:
The axial routing configuration serves multiple functions: it accommodates larger angular ranges, maintains compact hinge dimensions, and eliminates the need for separate tension devices. The same axial space houses both the interconnects and the hinge mandrel, achieving multi-functionality within a single structural arrangement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional tension devices are added to accommodate extended interconnects, then the angular range is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for separate tension devices by integrating the interconnect routing directly through the hinge axis. The axial arrangement allows interconnects to naturally accommodate the folding motion without requiring additional mechanical components for tension management, thereby reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the interconnect routing function with the hinge mandrel structure by routing interconnects axially through the same space occupied by the mandrel. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate tension devices and reduces the overall number of components, simplifying the hinge system while maintaining extended angular range capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device or a component thereof is described, which may include communication and/or thermal interconnects. The device may include hingedly coupled portions, where the interconnects are axially arranged (e.g., coincident) with respect to a hinge axis of the foldable electronic device.