Flexible Printed Circuit Tensioning for Foldable Hinge Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable information handling systems face challenges with flexible printed circuits that experience wear and occupy excessive space due to the need to accommodate changes in routing length when housings pivot between open and closed states.
Innovation Solution
The flexible printed circuit is routed in a space-efficient manner using a cover segment, housing segments, and free segments, where the free segments are movable relative to the hinge cover and housings, allowing for circuit movement without being fixed to the housings or hinge cover, thereby reducing wear and material usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the flexible printed circuit is routed to allow for movement when housings pivot, then the circuit can accommodate changes in routing length, but the circuit occupies excessive space in the housings
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible printed circuit is divided into three distinct segments: a first segment fixed to the first housing, a second segment fixed to the second housing, and a third free segment connecting them that is not fixed to either housing. This segmentation allows the third segment to move freely to accommodate pivoting while occupying minimal space, as it can be routed through the hinge mechanism rather than requiring dedicated space within the housings.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the flexible printed circuit is routed to allow for movement when housings pivot, then the circuit can accommodate changes in routing length, but the circuit experiences wear that leads to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism serves as an intermediary structure that guides and supports the movement of the third free segment of the flexible printed circuit. By routing the free segment through the hinge mechanism, the circuit's movement is constrained to a controlled path that reduces friction, prevents excessive bending, and minimizes wear, thereby improving reliability while maintaining adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If long portions of the flexible printed circuit are disposed in the housings to allow for movement, then sufficient circuit movement is permitted, but more printed circuit material is required, increasing costs
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of allowing the flexible printed circuit to move by extending long portions within the housings (one-dimensional movement), the invention routes the third free segment through the hinge mechanism, utilizing the rotational dimension of the hinge to accommodate movement. This dimensional change allows the circuit to pivot with a much shorter free segment, significantly reducing the quantity of printed circuit material required.
Data Source
AI summary
An information handling system can comprise first and second housings having pivotally coupled rear edge portions such that the housings are pivotable between open and closed states. A hinge cover can extend along at least a portion of each housing's rear edge portion. A flexible printed circuit having opposing upper and lower surfaces can extend between the housings. The circuit can include a cover segment in which the circuit's upper surface is fixed to the hinge cover's inner surface, two housing segments that are each fixed to a respective one of the housings, and two free segment that each connect a respective one of the housings segments to the cover segment, are movable relative to the hinge cover and to the housings when the housings pivot between the open and closed states, and underlie the inner surface of the hinge cover when the housings are in the open state.