Rotational Electronic Hinge for Reliable Signal Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic watches and activity modules lack the ability to transfer signals between the watch band and the watch or other components without requiring additional energy, which is necessary for advanced biosensing applications.
Innovation Solution
An electronic hinge system with a rotational coupling mechanism that uses curved elements in the watch band to maintain electrical connections with conductive contacts in the watch, allowing signal transfer without additional energy through a rotatable electrical connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If rigid printed circuit boards are used to carry electrically conductive elements, then electrical connection is achieved, but the rigid structure cannot accommodate relative motion between components
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid printed circuit board is segmented into multiple rigid board sections connected by flexible circuit board sections. This segmentation allows the overall structure to maintain rigidity where needed while introducing flexibility at the connection points to accommodate relative motion between components.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit board structure transitions from a static rigid design to a dynamic configuration that can adapt to relative motion. The flexible circuit board sections enable the board to bend and flex, allowing the system to accommodate movement while maintaining electrical connectivity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If flexible circuit boards are used to accommodate relative motion, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and reliability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit board is divided into discrete rigid and flexible sections that can be manufactured separately using standard PCB fabrication processes. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized for its specific function and assembled into the final configuration, reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The design utilizes controlled changes in material properties and geometric parameters to achieve flexibility only where required. By carefully selecting flexure locations and dimensions, the design maintains manufacturability while achieving the necessary adaptability.
3Reliability
If rigid circuit boards are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but signal transfer reliability decreases when components move relative to each other
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit board incorporates flexible sections that dynamically adapt to relative motion between components, ensuring continuous electrical contact and maintaining signal transfer reliability despite movement. This dynamic capability is integrated into the board structure itself rather than requiring separate compensation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Flexible circuit board sections are used to create thin, adaptable conductive paths that can bend and flex to accommodate relative motion. These flexible film sections maintain electrical connectivity while absorbing mechanical displacement, ensuring reliable signal transfer.
4Adaptability or versatility
If complex flexible circuit board designs are used to accommodate motion, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the circuit board into rigid and flexible sections with defined interfaces, the design reduces the overall precision requirements. Each section can be manufactured to standard tolerances, and the flexible sections provide natural accommodation for minor misalignments during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible circuit board sections are designed with sufficient flexibility to accommodate expected motion ranges with margin. This excessive flexibility ensures that even with variations in manufacturing precision, the system maintains reliable electrical connection throughout the full range of motion.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 1D~1E
Figure 1F~2B
AI summary
An electronic hinge system is provided, including a first component and a second component. The first component may include a first enclosure, a first substrate extending within the first enclosure, a first connector, and a plurality of curved elements disposed in the first connector. The first substrate may have electrically conductive elements and microelectronic devices electrically connected with the electrically conductive elements. The curved elements may be electrically conductive and spaced apart from one another. Each curved element may be electrically connected with a respective one of the electrically conductive elements of the first component. The second component may include a second enclosure and a second connector disposed at an end of the second enclosure. The first connector may be configured to mate with the second connector, such that when the first component is engaged with the second component, the first connector is rotationally coupled with the second connector.