Dynamic Hinge Gap Cover for Sealing and Signal Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices with hinged housings, such as laptop computers, face issues with gaps between the upper and lower housings that allow dust and contaminants to enter and expose internal components, compromising both aesthetics and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A flexible printed circuit bridges the gap, and a hinge gap cover made from radio-transparent material, coupled to the upper housing with springs, covers the gap when the device is closed, preventing dust intrusion and hiding internal components from view while allowing antenna signals to pass through.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a gap is provided between upper and lower housings to allow hinge rotation, then the hinge mechanism can rotate freely, but dust and contaminants can enter the interior
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into upper and lower separable portions connected by a hinge, allowing independent movement of each section while maintaining a sealed interior space. The gap cover can be independently positioned to seal the gap when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The gap cover is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position between covering the gap (when housings are closed) and being retracted (when housings are open). This dynamic positioning enables the system to adapt to different operational states.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a gap cover is added to seal the gap, then dust intrusion is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gap cover serves multiple functions simultaneously: it seals the gap to prevent dust intrusion, provides structural support for the hinge mechanism, and acts as a protective element for internal components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The gap cover is implemented as a flexible component that can bend and move with the hinge mechanism, providing an effective seal without requiring a complex rigid structure. The flexible nature allows it to conform to the gap geometry while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
3Reliability
If the gap cover is made radio-transparent, then antenna signals can pass through, but the sealing effectiveness may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The gap cover is constructed from composite materials that combine radio-transparent properties (for antenna signal transmission) with sealing capabilities (for dust prevention). This composite construction allows simultaneous achievement of both signal transmission and sealing functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The material properties of the gap cover are specifically selected and optimized to achieve the desired balance between radio-transparency and sealing effectiveness. By carefully controlling material parameters such as thickness, composition, and structural configuration, both functions are achieved simultaneously.
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 effectively seals the gap, preventing dust and moisture entry while maintaining antenna signal transmission and enhancing the device's appearance by hiding internal components when closed, without obstructing the hinge mechanism when opened.
Implementation Method 1
The hinge gap cover may be formed from a radio-transparent material that is coupled to the upper housing portion with springs
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device may be provided with upper and lower housing portions that are separated by a gap. Hinge structures may allow the upper housing portion to rotate between a closed position and an open position. A flexible printed circuit in the electronic device may be coupled between components in the upper housing portion such as the display and components in the lower housing portion and may span the gap. A hinge gap cover may cover the gap and may overlap the flexible printed circuit to block the flexible printed circuit from view when the upper housing portion is in the closed position. The hinge gap cover may be formed from a layer of radio-transparent material that is rotatably coupled to the upper housing portion and that is biased towards the lower housing with a spring structure.