Cable Covering Structure for Electronic Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-function peripheral machines, the cable connecting electronic modules is exposed and vulnerable to damage when the modules are opened or closed, as there is insufficient space for the cable to pass through the hinges and it may be subjected to forces that risk damage.
Innovation Solution
A covering structure comprising a cover and shafts that pivot with the electronic modules to cover the exposed cable, ensuring it remains protected during opening and closing operations, using a two-piece or one-piece linkage structure with shafts that guide the cover to move in sync with the modules' movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cable is routed externally between electronic modules to allow movement, then the modules can be opened and closed freely, but the cable becomes exposed and vulnerable to damage
Solution Approach 1:
A cover structure acts as an intermediary element between the electronic modules and the cable. The cover includes a first shaft connected to the first electronic module and a second shaft connected to the second electronic module, creating a mechanical linkage that moves the cover in coordination with the modules during opening/closing operations, thereby protecting the cable while maintaining operational freedom
Solution Approach 2:
The cover structure transitions from a static protective element to a dynamic one that actively moves with the electronic modules. The shafts enable the cover to pivot and reposition itself during module opening and closing, maintaining cable protection throughout the dynamic range of motion rather than requiring the cable to remain exposed
2Volume of moving object
If the cable passes through the hinges for compact routing, then space is saved, but the cable is subjected to excessive force and risk of damage
Solution Approach 1:
The cover structure serves as a mediator that relocates the cable from a high-stress path through the hinges to a protected path within the cover body. The shafts transmit the necessary motion to the cover without requiring the cable to pass through the hinge mechanism, thereby eliminating the harmful stress concentration at the hinge point
Solution Approach 2:
The cable routing is segmented into distinct zones: the portion within the first electronic module, the portion within the cover, and the portion within the second electronic module. This segmentation allows the cable to avoid the high-stress hinge region entirely, with the cover acting as a separate protective segment that moves independently via the shaft linkage
3Reliability
If a fixed cover structure is used to protect the cable, then the cable is protected, but the cover cannot accommodate the movement of opening and closing modules
Solution Approach 1:
The cover structure is made dynamic through the shaft linkage mechanism. The first shaft connects the cover to the first electronic module while the second shaft connects to the second electronic module, enabling the cover to pivot and change its position and orientation in response to module movement, thus maintaining cable protection throughout the full range of motion
Solution Approach 2:
The cover structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical protection for the cable, acts as a structural linkage element via the shafts, and accommodates the relative motion between modules. This multi-functionality allows a single integrated structure to achieve both protection and adaptability without requiring separate mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A covering structure for cable adaptable for connecting between a first and a second electronic modules that are electrically connected via a cable. When the first electronic module is pivoted relative to the second electronic module to be opened, a portion of the cable is exposed outside the first and the second electronic modules. The covering structure for cable includes a cover, a first shaft, and a second shaft. The first shaft is disposed on one side of the cover and pivoted to the first electronic module; the second shaft is disposed on an opposite side of the cover and pivoted to the second electronic module. The first electronic module is opened/closed relative to the second electronic module and drives the cover such that the cover covers a portion of the cable that is exposed outside the first and the second electronic modules when being opened.