Modular Flex-Cable Electrical Architecture for 2-in-1 Laptops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information handling systems lack a modular and efficient electrical architecture that allows for easy assembly, disassembly, and component swapping without disrupting communication between components, particularly in devices with movable parts like 2-in-1 laptops.
Innovation Solution
A flex circuit cable with multiple connectors and blind mate interfaces enables communication between components in a modular information handling system, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly while maintaining connectivity, even with hinge movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a modular architecture is implemented to enable easy assembly and disassembly, then ease of operation is improved, but maintaining continuous communication between components becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate modules (display assembly, keyboard assembly, trackpad assembly, charging assembly) that can be independently assembled and disassembled. Each module contains its own connectors that interface with the main board through standardized connection points, enabling modular construction while maintaining electrical continuity through the flex circuit cable.
Solution Approach 2:
A flex circuit cable is used to connect the modular components to the main board. This flexible printed circuit board can bend and flex as the display assembly moves between positions without breaking electrical connections, thus maintaining communication continuity while allowing easy assembly and disassembly of modules.
2Ease of repair
If components are made replaceable and swappable, then ease of repair is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The main board is designed with universal connector interfaces that can accommodate different modular components (display, keyboard, trackpad, charging assembly). The standardized connection points and flex circuit cable design allow any of these modules to be installed or removed without requiring specialized assembly procedures, simplifying repair while managing complexity through standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
The flex circuit cable acts as an intermediary element that provides standardized electrical connections between the main board and all modular components. This intermediary simplifies the electrical architecture by providing a common interface mechanism that reduces the need for multiple specialized connection types, thereby facilitating easy component replacement without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If a rigid connection system is used to ensure stable communication, then reliability is improved, but adaptability to different configurations and future peripherals is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The flex circuit cable is designed to be dynamically flexible, allowing the display assembly to move between fixed and movable positions while maintaining electrical connections. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to different configurations (e.g., detached display, attached display, different orientations) while preserving communication stability through the flexible connection medium.
Solution Approach 2:
The main board incorporates universal connector interfaces that can support various modular components and future peripherals. The standardized connection points and flex circuit cable design provide a adaptable interface that can accommodate different module types without requiring changes to the fundamental connection architecture, thus maintaining reliability while enabling versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
An information handling system includes top and base portions, and a flex circuit cable. The top portion includes a first set of components. The base portion includes a main board and a second set of components. The flex circuit cable is in physical communication with the first components, with the main board, and with the second components, The flex circuit cable includes first, second, and third connectors. The first connector in physical communication with one of the first components in the top portion. The second connector is in physical communication with the main board in the base portion and is positioned as a horizontal plugin connector. The third connector is in physical communication with one of the second components in the base portion and is a vertical connector.