Waveguide Ports for Contactless Head-Base Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Short-range wireless communication technologies, such as near field communication, face limitations due to the need for close proximity and line of sight between transmitter and receiver, which restricts their application, especially when mechanical or design constraints require greater separation between devices.
Innovation Solution
The use of waveguides with multiple ports in a 2-in-1 computing device allows for contactless communication between the head and base units, enabling signal transmission and reception through different ports depending on the device's operational mode, thereby overcoming proximity and line of sight limitations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional short-range wireless communication antennas are used, then transmission can be achieved, but the transmitter and receiver must be in close proximity (10 mm or less) and within line of sight
Solution Approach 1:
A waveguide structure is introduced as an intermediary component between the transmitter and receiver. The waveguide has multiple ports that can be selectively activated based on the relative position of the head and base units, enabling signal transmission when direct line-of-sight communication is not feasible. This mediator allows communication to occur through the waveguide's guided electromagnetic fields rather than requiring direct antenna-to-antenna propagation.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide is divided into multiple segments or ports (first port, second port, third port) that can be independently activated. Each port serves a specific spatial configuration, allowing the system to segment the communication problem into multiple manageable pathways based on the operational mode and relative positioning of components.
2Reliability
If electrical contacts are used for communication between head and base, then reliable signal transmission is achieved, but the contacts are subject to corrosion and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical electrical contacts with a waveguide-based electromagnetic field transmission system. Instead of relying on physical contact between conductive elements that are subject to wear and corrosion, the system uses guided electromagnetic waves that propagate through the waveguide structure without requiring physical contact, thereby eliminating the degradation mechanisms associated with traditional electrical contacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide acts as an intermediary that transfers energy and signals between the base and head units without requiring direct electrical contact. This mediator eliminates the need for exposed electrical contacts that would otherwise be subject to environmental degradation, while still enabling reliable signal transmission through the waveguide's internal electromagnetic field guidance.
3Device complexity
If a single port waveguide is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot support communication in multiple operational modes with different positions
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide is designed with multiple ports that enable it to serve multiple functions across different operational modes. The same waveguide structure can support communication when the head is in various positions relative to the base by selectively activating different port combinations. This multi-functionality allows a single waveguide component to adapt to diverse spatial configurations without requiring separate dedicated structures for each mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide system dynamically adapts to different operational modes by selectively activating specific ports based on the relative position of the head and base units. This dynamic port selection allows the system to optimize signal transmission for each configuration, transforming a static structure into a dynamically adaptable communication system that responds to changing spatial relationships.
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
This solution enables reliable communication between the head and base units in various operational modes, including open and closed positions, without the need for physical contact, thus avoiding issues like corrosion and wear on electrical contacts.
Implementation Method 1
The base includes a base transceiver to transmit (or receive) a signal via a first port of a waveguide. The waveguide also includes at least a second port and a third port. The head includes a head transceiver to transmit (or receive) the signal via the waveguide.
Data Source
AI summary
A computing device comprises a head that can be docked to a base. The base includes a base transceiver to transmit (or receive) a signal via a first port of a waveguide. The waveguide also includes at least a second port and a third port. The head includes a head transceiver to transmit (or receive) the signal via the waveguide. When the head is in a first position relative to the base, the head transceiver may transmit (or receive) the signal via the second port. When the head is in a second position relative to the base, the head transceiver may receive transmit (or receive) the signal via the third port.