Hinge Signal Connection Unit for Rotating Electronic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic devices with hinge structures face issues of insufficient space for cables and cable damage due to repeated rotation, leading to connectivity problems and functionality limitations.
Innovation Solution
A signal connection unit comprising conductive elements and spacers that telescope on a shaft, eliminating the need for conventional wires by directly connecting the first and second members, allowing for pivot functionality and additional device features like auto screen management without additional sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cable is used to electrically connect the first member and the second member, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but the cable becomes worn and damaged over time due to repeated rotation of the hinge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the cable from the system entirely, replacing it with a direct electrical connection through conductive elements integrated into the hinge structure. This extraction eliminates the cable's vulnerability to wear and damage from repeated rotation while maintaining electrical connectivity between the first and second members.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the electrical connection function with the mechanical hinge structure by integrating conductive elements directly into the hinge. This combination eliminates the need for a separate cable, allowing the electrical connection to move with the hinge without suffering from cable wear issues.
2Reliability
If a cable is routed through the hinge to connect the first member and the second member, then electrical connection is established, but there is insufficient space for the cable route due to limited space near the hinge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrical connection components with the hinge structure itself, using the hinge's existing space and structure to house the conductive elements. This integration eliminates the need for additional cable routing space, as the electrical connection is built into the mechanical structure that already occupies the available volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive elements are nested within the hinge structure, with the first conductive element integrated into the first member's hinge portion and the second conductive element integrated into the second member's hinge portion. This nesting arrangement allows the electrical connection to occupy the same space as the mechanical hinge components without requiring additional room.
3Reliability
If conventional wires are used for connection, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but additional device features like auto screen management require additional sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive elements serve multiple functions: they provide electrical connectivity between members and simultaneously act as input devices for gesture detection. The same physical structure that connects the members electrically also detects user interactions, eliminating the need for separate sensors and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the electrical connection function with the gesture detection function into a single integrated system. The conductive elements that establish electrical connectivity also serve as the sensing mechanism for auto screen management, combining what would traditionally require separate components into one unified structure.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device with a hinge structure is provided, including a first member and a second member. The first member includes a signal connection unit. The signal connection unit includes a plurality of conductive elements and a plurality of spacers. The conductive elements include a first conductive element and a second conductive element. The first conductive element includes a first annular portion and a first extending portion. The second conductive element includes a second annular portion and a second extending portion. The spacers include a first spacer and a second spacer. The first spacer separates the first annular portion from the second annular portion. The second spacer abuts the second annular portion. The second member is connected to the first member, and is adapted to be rotated relative to the first member.