Waveguide Near Field Communication Head Base Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional near field communication (NFC) in 2-in-1 computing devices faces limitations due to the need for close proximity and line of sight between transceivers, which can be disrupted by the head's ability to rotate relative to the base, leading to potential issues like corroded, dirty, or damaged electrical contacts.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of waveguides that guide NFC signals between a head and a base, allowing for contactless communication even when the head is positioned at different angles, using transceivers and waveguides that operate at extremely high frequencies and do not require direct contact, enabling communication through multiple prongs in forward and reverse configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical contacts are used for communication between head and base, then data transmission is achieved, but the contacts become corroded, dirty, or damaged due to repeated connection and rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical electrical contact system with an electromagnetic field-based NFC system. The base transceiver and head transceiver communicate wirelessly through electromagnetic fields, eliminating physical contacts that would otherwise corrode, become dirty, or damage from repeated connections and rotations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces waveguides as intermediary structures that guide electromagnetic signals between the base and head. These waveguides transmit the NFC signal without requiring direct contact between electrical contacts, thereby preventing corrosion and damage while maintaining reliable communication.
2Reliability
If transceivers require close proximity and line of sight for NFC communication, then communication reliability is improved, but the head's rotation capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses waveguides to extend the communication capability beyond the traditional line-of-sight constraint. The waveguides physically connect the base and head, allowing NFC communication to occur even when the head is rotated to various angles, effectively adding a dimensional aspect to the communication path that bypasses the line-of-sight requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguides serve as intermediary structures that transmit electromagnetic signals between the base transceiver and head transceiver. This intermediary system allows communication to maintain reliability while accommodating head rotation, as the waveguides guide the signals along their physical paths regardless of the head's angular position.
3Adaptability or versatility
If waveguides with multiple prongs are used for NFC communication, then communication flexibility and orientation independence are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide is segmented into multiple prongs or contact points distributed across its structure. This segmentation allows different portions of the waveguide to engage with corresponding elements on the opposing component, enabling communication to function regardless of the specific orientation or alignment, thereby achieving orientation independence.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-pronged waveguide structure is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides electromagnetic signal transmission paths in various orientations, ensures reliable contact through multiple potential engagement points, and accommodates different assembly tolerances. This multi-functionality justifies the increased structural complexity by delivering versatile communication capability.
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
Enables reliable NFC-based communication between the head and base of a 2-in-1 computing device, allowing for flexible positioning without the need for close proximity or line of sight, thus preventing issues related to electrical contact corrosion or misalignment.
Implementation Method 1
A base waveguide of the base may receive the signal from the base transceiver. The base waveguide may have a plurality of prongs. The signal may be transmitted from the base waveguide to a head waveguide of the head.
Data Source
AI summary
A computing device comprises a head that can be physically attached to a base. The head may be capable of functioning as a type of computing device independent of the base. The base may include a base transceiver to receive data from a first component of the base, encode the data into a signal, and transmit the signal. The base may include a base waveguide to guide the signal to a head waveguide of the head. The head may include a head transceiver to receive the signal from the head waveguide, decode the data from the signal, and send the data to a second component of the head.