Power Use Telemetry for Predicting Information System Health

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge in information handling systems is the unpredictable failure of hinge up cables, which complicates assembly and disassembly, increases the carbon footprint, and makes cable reuse impractical due to random and unpredictable failures.

Innovation Solution

A snap-in cable retainer system that securely connects a cable backplane to the information handling system housing, with edge card connectors and monitored communication links to predict future failures, reducing the number of cables and improving reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional cable connections are used in portable information handling systems, then the system can be assembled with standard components, but the cable failures become random and unpredictable making reuse impractical

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable reliabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical cable connections with a rigid flex circuit board that provides a fixed, integrated electrical connection between the display assembly and motherboard. This eliminates the mechanical cable that is prone to failure from repeated hinge movements, while the snap-in retainer provides tool-free assembly. The rigid flex circuit is inherently more reliable for this application as it moves with the display assembly without separate connection points that can fail.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a rigid flex circuit board - a thin, flexible printed circuit that can bend and flex with the display assembly movements. This thin-film solution provides the necessary flexibility for portable system operation while maintaining a stable, integrated electrical connection that doesn't suffer from the reliability issues of traditional cables. The rigid flex circuit is laminated to the display assembly, creating a unified structure that moves as one piece.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple cables are used for communication and power, then complete functionality is achieved, but the number of components increases assembly difficulty and environmental impact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem functionalityVSAvoidassembly ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate cables (data communication cable and power cable) into a single integrated rigid flex circuit board. This unified structure provides both data and power connections through its trace network, eliminating the need for separate cables. The snap-in retainer with aligned connectors further integrates the connection process, allowing both electrical connections to be established simultaneously through a single assembly action rather than multiple separate cable connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rigid flex circuit board serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides data communication pathways, power delivery, and mechanical structural support for the display assembly. This multi-functional component replaces what would traditionally require separate specialized cables for each function, simplifying the overall system architecture and assembly process while maintaining complete functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of substance

If cables are reused from failed systems, then component waste is reduced, but unpredictable cable failures make reuse unreliable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable wasteVSAvoidcable reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By replacing the traditional mechanical cable with a rigid flex circuit board that is laminated to the display assembly, the patent creates an integrated structure where the electrical connection is inherent to the assembly itself. This eliminates the separate replaceable cable that could fail unpredictably, while the snap-in retainer allows for reliable replacement of the entire display assembly if needed. The rigid flex circuit cannot separate from the display assembly, ensuring consistent electrical connection throughout the product lifecycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12578772B2Information handling system power use telemetry to predict system state of health

Publication Date: 2026.03.17 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

An information handling system monitors current at plural current sensors during each of plural predefined events, such as power up and boot, to detect power anomalies that indicate failing components, such as bad charger, bad power rail, bad motherboard and/or back cover deck. Current during a boot event is compared to a baseline value for the event, such as a value measure and stored at manufacture of the system, and/or an average of current measured for a predetermined number of previous events. In one embodiment, a separate analysis is performed based upon whether the system boots from battery power or external alternating current adapter power.