Foldable Hinge Cabling Structure With Sliding Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The cabling space in foldable electronic devices, such as notebook computers, is compromised by the pivoting motion of the hinge, leading to potential damage of circuit cabling and reduced reliability due to space constraints and rigidity requirements, which are exacerbated by the trend towards thinner and lighter designs.
Innovation Solution
A cabling structure that incorporates a sliding member and a restoring module, such as a spring or magnetic members, to provide a reverse balance force to the flexible electrical connecting member, allowing it to retract and restore after stretching, thereby preventing clamping and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the cabling space in the hinge is used for disposing circuit cabling, then the space occupied by cabling is reduced, but the circuit cabling is often squeezed or broken due to reduction of cabling space during pivoting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sliding member that can move dynamically within the hinge assembly. When the hinge pivots, the sliding member slides along a guide groove to accommodate the changing spatial requirements of the flexible electrical connecting member, transforming the static cabling space into a dynamic one that adapts to pivoting motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding member acts as an intermediary between the flexible electrical connecting member and the hinge structure. It mediates the interaction by providing a controlled movement interface, allowing the electrical connecting member to be pulled or pushed along with the pivoting motion without being directly constrained by the rigid hinge boundaries.
2Weight of moving object
If the foldable electronic device is designed to be thin and light, then the appearance is improved, but it becomes more difficult to dispose a cabling space in the hinge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible electrical connecting member instead of rigid cabling, allowing the connection to bend and flex within the thin profile of the hinge. This flexible film-like structure enables cabling within constrained thin spaces without requiring additional voluminous protective structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding member provides dynamic adjustment capability within the thin hinge profile, allowing the cabling space to expand or contract along the guide groove direction as needed during pivoting, eliminating the need for fixed voluminous cabling compartments.
3Strength
If all parts of internal space that are not torsion components are materialized to maintain hinge rigidity, then the rigidity is improved, but the possibility of having a cabling space is completely eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is segmented into functional zones: torsion components for structural rigidity and a dedicated cabling region with a sliding member for electrical connections. This segmentation allows rigid support structures and flexible cabling management to coexist without interfering with each other's functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding member serves as an intermediary structure that bridges the rigid hinge body and the flexible electrical connecting member, enabling the coexistence of rigid structural components and flexible cabling within the same hinge assembly without compromising either rigidity or cabling functionality.
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 protects the flexible electrical connecting member by ensuring it retracts into the device after use, maintaining its functionality and extending its lifespan, thus enhancing the reliability and durability of foldable electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
a restoring module disposed in the second body and providing a force to the sliding member
Implementation Method 2
A cabling structure that incorporates a sliding member and a restoring module, such as a spring or magnetic members, to provide a reverse balance force
Data Source
AI summary
A cabling structure of a foldable electronic device includes a first body, a second body, a hinge module connecting the first body and the second body, a sliding member movably disposed in the second body, a flexible electrical connecting member connected to the first body, the second body, and the sliding member and being driven when the first body and the second body are rotated relatively, and a restoring module disposed in the second body and providing a force to the sliding member. The first body and the second body are rotated relatively to each other through the hinge module. When being rotated relatively to each other, the first body and the second body drive the flexible electrical connecting member and the sliding member. The restoring module restores the sliding member and the flexible electrical connecting member via the force.