Conductive Foldable Housing Connection for Signal Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices face challenges in efficiently transmitting wireless signals across foldable housings due to the electrical disconnection of conductive portions, which can lead to communication interference and reduced performance when the device is folded or unfolded.
Innovation Solution
A connecting structure made of electrically conductive material is used to electrically connect conductive portions across the folding axis of a foldable electronic device, allowing for uninterrupted signal transmission between the first and second housings, even without additional components like coaxial cables or flexible PCBs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conductive portions are disconnected across the folding axis, then the device can be folded or unfolded, but signal transmission is interrupted and communication performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A connecting structure made of electrically conductive material is introduced as an intermediary element between the first and second conductive portions. This connecting structure maintains electrical connection across the folding axis while allowing mechanical folding movement, thereby mediating between the conflicting requirements of foldability and signal continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical connection between housings, maintains electrical conductivity for signal transmission, and accommodates folding movement. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by integrating what were previously separate concerns into a single unified component.
2Reliability
If additional components like coaxial cables or flexible PCBs are used to maintain signal transmission, then communication performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the housing structure with the signal transmission function by making the connecting structure an integral part of the housing assembly. Instead of adding separate coaxial cables or flexible PCBs, the conductive material is directly incorporated into the connecting elements, combining mechanical support and electrical conduction into a single unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure itself provides the signal transmission function through its conductive connecting elements. The housing serves not only as mechanical protection and structural support but also as the signal transmission path, eliminating the need for dedicated separate transmission components and achieving self-sufficiency.
3Reliability
If the connecting structure is made of electrically conductive material, then signal transmission is maintained, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the connecting structure from non-conductive to electrically conductive material. This parameter change enables the connecting structure to simultaneously provide mechanical connection and electrical conduction functions, maintaining signal transmission while using standard manufacturing processes for conductive materials.
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
This solution ensures stable and efficient wireless communication by maintaining signal integrity across the folding mechanism, enhancing communication performance even when the device is in different states of folding.
Implementation Method 1
The connecting structure made of electrically conductive material is used to electrically connect conductive portions across the folding axis
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device may comprise: a first housing, a second housing, a display, a connection structure comprising an electrically conductive material, and at least one processor, comprising processing circuitry. The connection structure may be configured to electrically connect a second conductive portion of the first housing to a third conductive portion of the second housing. The connection structure may be electrically connected to a fourth conductive portion of the second housing. The connection structure may be configured as a path of a first signal provided from at least one processor to the fourth conductive portion and/or a path of a second signal provided from the fourth conductive portion to at least one processor.