Hinged Device Conductor Pathway Using Dumbbell Shield
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable computing devices face challenges in routing conductors between hinged portions, leading to increased hinge assembly size and reduced display area due to conductor routing through the hinges.
Innovation Solution
A dumbbell-shaped shield assembly provides an orientation-specific protective pathway for conductors between hinged device portions, using rigid components that move relative to the portions to maintain conductor protection throughout a range of rotations, allowing for thinner hinge assemblies and larger display areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conductors are routed through the hinge assemblies, then electrical connection between portions is maintained, but the hinge assembly size increases and display area decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductor routing function is extracted from the hinge assembly and placed in a separate protective pathway structure. The shield assembly with its conduit and slots provides a dedicated channel for conductors that is independent of the hinge mechanism, allowing the hinge to remain compact while conductors are protected elsewhere.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective pathway is segmented into multiple components: a shield assembly with slots, a conduit for conductor routing, and a hinge assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the hinge for rotation, the shield for protection, and the conduit for conductor management - resolving the conflict between connection reliability and display area.
2Reliability
If conductors are routed through the hinge assemblies, then electrical connection is maintained, but the hinge assembly size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductor routing function is extracted from the hinge assembly and placed in a separate protective pathway structure. The shield assembly with its conduit and slots provides a dedicated channel for conductors that is independent of the hinge mechanism, allowing the hinge to remain compact while conductors are protected elsewhere.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield assembly acts as an intermediary structure between the hinge assembly and the conductors. It provides a protective pathway that mediates the interaction between moving hinge components and stationary conductors, allowing the hinge to rotate without increasing in size while still protecting the conductors.
3Reliability
If rigid components are used to provide protective pathway, then conductor protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple protective functions are merged into a single shield assembly structure. The shield, slots, and conduit work together as an integrated system to provide protection, routing, and constraint functions simultaneously, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining conductor protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield assembly serves multiple functions: it protects conductors from damage, provides a defined pathway for routing, constrains conductor movement, and allows hinge rotation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing device complexity while improving conductor protection.
Data Source
AI summary
The description relates to hinged devices, such as hinged computing devices. One example can include a first portion including an electronic component and a second portion including a second electronic component. A hinge assembly can rotatably secure the first and second portions through a range of rotation from a closed orientation to an open orientation. A dumbbell-shaped shield assembly can be configured to provide an orientation-specific protective pathway between the first portion and the second portion for a conductor extending from the first electronic component to the second electronic component.