Hinged Optical Fiber Connection for High-Capacity Foldable Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing openable and closable electronic devices face a challenge in increasing transmission capacity without compromising device size or thickness, as adding more electrical wires impedes size reduction.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an optical connection component with an optical fiber and hinge component, allowing for increased transmission capacity while reducing the need for electrical wires, and using optical components pre-attached to the fiber for easy integration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If more electrical wires are added to increase transmission capacity, then transmission capacity is improved, but device size or thickness increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission capacityVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electrical wiring (mechanical/electrical system) with optical fiber (optical system) for signal transmission. This substitution allows significantly higher transmission capacity to be achieved with fewer wires, thereby reducing the overall device size and thickness while maintaining or improving transmission capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the transmission medium from electrical conductors to optical fibers, fundamentally altering the transmission parameter from electrical signals to optical signals. This parameter change enables much higher data transmission capacity per unit volume, resolving the contradiction between transmission capacity and device size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If optical fiber is passed through hinge component, then transmission capacity increases and wire count reduces, but optical fiber may be damaged by hinge movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission capacityVSAvoidoptical fiber durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies protective measures to the optical fiber before it is subjected to hinge movement stresses. By pre-positioning the optical fiber through the hinge component during assembly and ensuring proper routing, the design prevents subsequent damage from hinge operations, cushioning against potential mechanical stress before it can cause failure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS20260016641A1Optical connection component, method of manufacturing device, and device

Publication Date: 2026.01.15 SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES LTD

AI summary

An optical connection component is disclosed. The optical connection component includes an optical fiber having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, and a hinge component through which the optical fiber passes.