Dual-Pivot Hinge Signal Path with Conductive Contacts for 360° Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable information handling systems with dual display configurations face challenges in routing communications wires due to reduced hinge size, leading to cable binding issues during 360-degree rotational movement, which complicates signal transfer between housing portions.
Innovation Solution
A signal conduit with conductive surfaces integrated into a dual axis hinge, utilizing contact fingers to maintain communication across 360 degrees of rotation, replacing traditional cables with a robust and efficient signal pathway.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If dual display configuration is used to reduce system thickness, then system portability is improved, but cable routing becomes difficult due to reduced hinge size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable routing system with an electrical contact system. Instead of physically routing cables through the hinge, the invention uses contact fingers that make electrical contact with conductive surfaces on the hinge to transfer signals. This substitution eliminates the mechanical constraints of cable routing while maintaining signal transmission functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary electrical contact system between the two housing portions. The contact fingers and conductive surfaces act as intermediaries to transfer signals across the hinge without requiring physical cable routing through the limited hinge space. This intermediary mechanism resolves the conflict between thin profile and signal transmission requirements.
2Loss of information
If traditional cable routing is used through dual axis hinge, then signal transmission is achieved, but cable binding occurs during 360-degree rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable system with an electrical contact system that is integrated into the hinge structure. The contact fingers and conductive surfaces are designed to maintain reliable electrical contact during 360-degree rotation without the binding issues that plague traditional cable routing through dual axis hinges.
3Weight of stationary object
If lower Z height is used to improve portability, then system weight is reduced, but hinge size decreases making cable routing more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the signal transmission function with the hinge structure itself. The conductive surfaces are integrated into the hinge components, and the contact fingers are positioned to work with the hinge's rotational movement. This integration eliminates the need for separate cable routing pathways, allowing thin profile design without compromising signal transmission capability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides reliable and robust signal transfer without cable binding, maintaining communication integrity through rotational movements while reducing system thickness and weight.
Implementation Method 1
A signal conduit slides onto dual axles of a hinge to rotate with the axles and includes a conductive surface that conducts signals across the axles
Data Source
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AI summary
A portable information handling system rotationally couples housing portions with a dual axis hinge and communicates signals between the housing portions through a signal conduit inserted over the axles of the dual axis hinge. Signal contact elements coupled to opposing housing portions interface wirelines to contact fingers that insert in the signal conduit. Conductive surfaces in the signal conduit transmit signals across the dual axis hinge at varying rotational orientations by maintaining an electrical interface with opposing contact fingers.