The waterproof hinge could make it to MacBooks

One of the biggest concerns we have as owners of a MacBook (I think any laptop, but especially Apple), is that we get liquid on us. Although Apple laptops are very well protected inside and withstand certain levels of liquid, we cannot fool around and expose ourselves to a machine like this breaking down. The Californian company is always improving its products and with this patent we could take a giant step forward. We could have a MacBook with a waterproof hinge.

A waterproof hinge would make our MacBook screen safe

It does not seem like a trivial matter to have a waterproof hinge. Right now, MacBooks are manufactured with a special coating that helps so that if a little liquid is spilled, the interior is not too exposed and can be solved quickly. However, until now the biggest problem was just the union between screen and keyboard. That is, where the computer is closed. It is there dwhere is the MacBook more exposed and where all the problems can come from.

However with this patent, recently introduced by Apple and titled "Liquid input control for electronic devices" reveals how Apple could one day prevent water and other liquids from damaging a MacBook, by using hydrophobic materials and barriers to prop up the hinge that connects the MacBook screen to your keyboard. From the patent:

Invasive material ingress control and mitigation features are attached to a hinge using a flexible cable. In addition to a cable cover in a space between the housings of a portable electronic device. Features include hydrophobic materials on the cover or a cover facing surface of the device housing. A barrier between the cover and the device case, channels or protrusions on the cover-facing surface of the upper case, a number of different modifications of the upper case surface, and a modification of the profile of the flexible cover that controls and limits the area of ​​the contact surface between the cover and the upper case.

The main problem is to safeguard the information that passes through the cables that are between the screen and the keyboard

MacBooks, like many other electronic devices have multiple shell sections that require signals to be sent from one to the other. That is, the way a screen and keyboard are connected to the computer:

One challenge associated with a hinged electronic device housing is to safely route a signal from one housing section to another housing section. Some electronic devices route a signal transfer mechanism, such as a flexible ribbon-like cable. Around the hinge mechanism or through a center hole in a hinge clutch assembly. However, these cables must be protected from exposure to users and from excessive flexing caused by actuation of the clutch assembly. The hinge mechanism and the relative movement of other computer components. As electronic devices get smaller and thinner, the amount of space available for clutch assemblies, hinges, and cables is limited, making it more difficult to provide space and adequately protect cables. In addition, the entry of liquids and debris into those tight spaces increases the possibility of failure and a degraded user experience. Therefore, There is a constant need for improvements in cables and hinge assemblies for electronic devices.

The patent mentions that the solution 'may comprise a foam material or a hydrophobic material»Attached to the flexible band that is used to hide and protect the cables. That foam barrier could stop water and other liquids in the area. Additionally, the contact area could be reduced, as well as diverting spills to designated areas or outlets of the housing.

Being a patent we do not know if it will come true. Many of these ideas are just that, some ideas. Only time will tell us if it comes true. This would be one of those that would be good to come true.


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