Polymer Ribbon Waveguide for EHF Wireless Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electro-mechanical interfaces, such as plug and socket connectors, are prone to wear and stress, leading to failure over time and requiring replacement, which can render systems or units inoperable.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a polymer ribbon waveguide that interconnects communication circuitry between a display unit and a base unit, allowing for wireless communication via extremely high frequency (EHF) radio frequency band, with a hinge for orienting the units and magnetic components for alignment, eliminating the need for physical contact and reducing wear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electro-mechanical interfaces (plug and socket connectors) are used for communication between units, then physical connection and signal transmission are achieved, but wear and stress occur leading to failure over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface durabilityVSAvoidinterface lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional electro-mechanical plug and socket connector system with a wireless communication interface using EHF radio frequency band. This substitution eliminates physical contact between units, thereby removing the source of wear and stress that causes mechanical interface failure over time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary medium (EHF radio frequency waves) for signal transmission between units. Instead of direct physical contact, the communication is mediated through electromagnetic waves transmitted through the air or vacuum, eliminating the need for persistent mechanical connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If plug and socket connectors are used for unit coupling, then signal transmission is enabled, but wear and stress lead to failure requiring replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem operabilityVSAvoidinterface reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical plug and socket connector system with a wireless communication interface using EHF radio frequency band. This substitution eliminates physical contact between units, thereby removing the source of wear and stress that causes mechanical interface failure over time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless communication interface provides continuous signal transmission capability without the interruptions caused by mechanical wear and failure. The EHF radio frequency communication maintains operational continuity as long as power and signal transmission are functional, eliminating the need for replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Ease of operation

If physical connection mechanisms are used between units, then communication is established, but wear and stress cause failure over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunit couplingVSAvoidinterface lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution provides a reliable and durable wireless communication interface that reduces wear and stress, enabling efficient bi-directional communication and extending the lifespan of the system by avoiding the limitations of traditional electro-mechanical interfaces.

Implementation Method 1

a polymer ribbon waveguide that interconnects the communication circuitry of the display unit and the communication circuitry of the base unit in the coupled state

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9448596B2System waveguide interface

Publication Date: 2016.09.20 LENOVO SWITZERLAND INTERNATIONAL GMBH

AI summary

A system can include a display unit that includes extremely high frequency (EHF) radio frequency band communication circuitry; a base unit that includes extremely high frequency (EHF) radio frequency band communication circuitry; a mechanism that releasably couples the display unit and the base unit to define a coupled state; a hinge that orients the display unit with respect to the base unit in the coupled state; and a polymer ribbon waveguide that interconnects the communication circuitry of the display unit and the communication circuitry of the base unit in the coupled state. Various other apparatuses, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed.