Flexible Inter-Assembly PCB Coupling for Foldable Housings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable mobile computing devices face challenges with traditional printed circuit boards (PCBs) that introduce extra width, reducing storage capacity, increasing susceptibility to particulates and water ingress, and compromising user experience due to weak spots along the folding mechanism.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a flexible electrical inter-assembly coupling circuit, such as a flexible PCB, that remains flat when open and flexes to accommodate folding, eliminating the need for extra width, enhancing storage capacity, and reducing ingress points for particulates and water while maintaining a uniform surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional PCB is used to accommodate folding, then the device can be folded, but the PCB requires extra width which reduces storage capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible PCB that can bend and deform to accommodate the folding mechanism without requiring additional width. The flexible nature of the PCB allows it to conform to the folded configuration while maintaining electrical connectivity, thus preserving storage capacity within the device housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The PCB is designed with dynamic flexibility to adapt its shape during folding operations. The flexible circuit board can dynamically change its configuration from flat to bent states, enabling the device to fold while maintaining adequate storage space in the closed state.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a wide PCB is used to accommodate folding, then the device can be folded, but particulates and water can more easily enter the housing assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible PCB creates a tighter seal around the folding mechanism without requiring excess width that would create gaps or openings. This reduces potential ingress paths for particulates and water while maintaining the necessary folding functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a wide PCB is used to accommodate folding, then the device can be folded, but user interaction is compromised due to weak spots along the folding mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible PCB provides structural support that reinforces the folding mechanism area, eliminating weak spots that would otherwise compromise the uniformity and strength of the surface. This maintains a consistent user experience across the entire device surface including the folded region.
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 flexible coupling circuit improves user interaction, maintains structural integrity, and increases storage capacity by eliminating the need for excess PCB width, thus providing a seamless and robust folding mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
the folding mobile computing device may include a flexible PCB that flexes (or, in other words, stretches) to accommodate the fold around the folding mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable computing device may comprise a top housing assembly, a bottom housing assembly, and a flexible electrical inter-assembly coupling circuit. The top housing assembly may house a first subset of electrical component. The bottom housing assembly is mechanically coupled to the top housing assembly such that the top housing assembly is operable to cover, when closed, at least a portion of the bottom housing assembly. The bottom housing assembly may also house a second subset of the electrical components. The flexible electrical inter-assembly coupling circuit may electrically couple the first subset of the electrical components and the second subset of the electrical components. The flexible electrical intercoupling circuit configured may remain flat when the top housing assembly is open relative to the bottom housing assembly and flex when the top housing assembly is at least partially closed relative to the bottom housing assembly.