System and method for flexible connection of redundant input-output modules or other devices

A system comprising:

• first and second devices;
• and
• a flexible connection device configured to connect the first and second devices, the flexible connection device comprising:
• a first device connector configured to be coupled to the first device;
• a second device connector configured to be coupled to the second device;
• at least two connection arms forming a hinged connection between the first device connector and the second device connector;
• and
• a flexible connector coupled to the first device connector and the second device connector, where at least a portion of the flexible connector extends through the at least two connection arms, the flexible connector comprising a flexible printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) or a flexible flat cable (FFC),
• wherein at least one of the device connectors comprises:
• a terminal connector configured to connect to one or more field cables coupled to one or more external devices or systems;
• a mating connector configured to connect to an interface of the corresponding first or second device;
• and
• a printed circuit board (PCB) configured to provide a communication pathway between the terminal connector and the mating connector, wherein the PCB is configured to provide the communication pathway when both device connectors are coupled to the first and second devices and when one of the device connectors is disconnected from the corresponding first or second device.

A method comprising:

• communicating, by a first device with a second device, via a flexible connection device, the flexible connection device connecting the first and second devices, the flexible connection device comprising (i) a first device connector coupled to the first device, (ii) a second device connector coupled to the second device, (iii) at least two connection arms forming a hinged connection between the first device connector and the second device connector, and (iv) a flexible connector coupled to the first device connector and the second device connector, at least a portion of the flexible connector extending through the at least two connection arms, the flexible connector comprising a flexible printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) or a flexible flat cable (FFC);
• and
• communicating, by the first device with at least one external device or system, via the flexible connection device while the flexible connection device is separated from the second device;
• wherein the first device connector comprises (i) a terminal connector connected to one or more field cables coupled to the at least one external device or system, (ii) a mating connector connected to an interface of the first device, and (iii) a printed circuit board (PCB) that provides a communication pathway between the terminal connector and the mating connector, wherein the PCB provides the communication pathway when the flexible connection device is connected to the first and second devices and when the flexible connection device is separated from the second device.