Dual-Axis Hinge with Integrated Coaxial Cable for Signal Integrity

Solution Overview

Problem

Portable information handling systems face challenges in maintaining signal integrity due to the thinness of flexible circuit boards, which limits shielding and results in signal loss and crosstalk when routing coaxial cables through narrow hinges.

Innovation Solution

Integrating a coaxial conductor and dielectric within a U-shaped sheath in dual axle hinges to provide a shielded and grounded signal path for communication between housing portions, allowing for 360-degree rotation with minimal Z-height and optimized geometric structures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If a flexible circuit board is used for communication between housing portions, then the system achieves portability and thin housing, but signal integrity deteriorates due to limited shielding and crosstalk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehousing thicknessVSAvoidsignal integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the coaxial cable shielding structure with the hinge assembly, integrating the shielded communication path directly into the hinge. This combines the mechanical connection function with the signal transmission function, providing robust shielding while maintaining the thin housing design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The coaxial cable is nested within the hinge structure, with the shielded cable routed through the hinge assembly. This nesting allows the cable to be protected and positioned within the existing hinge volume, providing signal integrity without adding external bulk to the housing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If a coaxial cable is routed through a narrow hinge, then signal integrity improves with shielding, but the hinge complexity and routing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal integrityVSAvoidhinge structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coaxial cable shielding structure is merged with the hinge assembly, integrating the shielded communication path directly into the hinge. This combines the mechanical connection function with the signal transmission function, providing robust shielding while maintaining the thin housing design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge structure itself provides the routing path and shielding for the coaxial cable, eliminating the need for separate complex routing mechanisms. The hinge design inherently accommodates the cable integration, making the system self-sufficient.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Length of moving object

If housing thickness is minimized, then portability improves, but the available space for shielded cable routing decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehousing thicknessVSAvoidcable routing feasibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The coaxial cable is nested within the hinge structure, with the shielded cable routed through the hinge assembly. This nesting allows the cable to be protected and positioned within the existing hinge volume, providing signal integrity without adding external bulk to the housing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The coaxial cable shielding structure is merged with the hinge assembly, integrating the shielded communication path directly into the hinge. This combines the mechanical connection function with the signal transmission function, providing robust shielding while maintaining the thin housing design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10931070B1Information handling system hinge with integrated coaxial cable connection

Publication Date: 2021.02.23 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

An information handling system dual axis hinge integrates a coaxial conductor and coaxial dielectric in a U-shaped sheath that provides first and second axles about which first and second bracket gears rotate. The coaxial conductor supports shielded and grounded signal communications between opposing portions of an information handling system housing. First and second torque brackets insert over the sheath and couple to the opposing housing portions to generate friction during housing rotation by interaction of the torque bracket rotating around the sheath.