Routing Electrical Signals through a Hinge

[Bokononestly]

For a consumer electronic device, I'm considering options for routing electrical signals through a hinge. It will be pretty similar to a flip phone's hinge. I'm brainstorming, so I'm not tied down to any particular solution (e.g. flex circuit or coaxial cable). I'm trolling craigslist for some old flip phones to teardown. In the meantime, is anyone familiar with relevant design guides or tips?

Thank you very much.

 

[IRstuff]

The critical issue is how many flexes will this hinge experience in the life of the product? Copper work hardens, so that's vital information. I would suggest flex tape with a service loop to minimize the amount of flexing the tape experiences.

TTFN
faq731-376

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[mcgyvr]

I 2nd the critical issue IRstuff pointed out..service life/# of cycles is important.
You could use anything from a flex/mylar pcb to a membrane switch tail with carbon printed on a thin plastic sheet to zif ribbon cable,etc...

 

[drawoh]

Bokononestly,

Read up on slip rings.

--
JHG

 

[MikeHalloran]

Read up on rotary transformers.


Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA