Computer Cable Access Door for Concealed Connector Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Computer terminals in retail POS and other environments have unsightly exposed cables and are prone to disconnection due to their exposed nature.

Innovation Solution

A computer terminal with a cable access door that can be opened and closed, concealing connectors and cables, featuring a strengthening plate, pivoting arms, and a latching mechanism to secure the cables and prevent unintentional opening.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If cables and connectors are exposed for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates and risk of disconnection increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable accessVSAvoidaesthetic appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The back cover is segmented into a fixed portion and a movable cable access door portion, allowing the door to be opened independently to access cables while the rest of the cover maintains its aesthetic appearance. This segmentation enables selective access without exposing the entire rear structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cable access door serves as an intermediary element between the external environment and the internal connectors. It provides a controlled interface that allows cable insertion/removal while maintaining the aesthetic integrity of the main housing when closed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Shape

If cables are concealed behind a closed door, then aesthetic appearance is improved and protection from disconnection is enhanced, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidcable access

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cable access door is designed as a dynamic component that can transition between closed (aesthetic) and open (accessible) states. The hinge mechanism and latch system enable easy transitions, allowing the door to be opened when cable access is needed and closed when not in use, thus dynamically balancing aesthetics and operability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If a cable access door is added to conceal and protect cables, then aesthetic appearance and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable connection stabilityVSAvoidhousing structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cable access door is merged with the existing back cover structure, sharing common elements such as the hinge attachment points and latch mechanisms with other housing components. This integration minimizes the addition of separate complex subsystems while achieving the desired cable protection and aesthetic concealment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3276753B1Computer with cable access door

Publication Date: 2020.10.28 NCR VOYIX CORP

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AI summary

A computer (10) with cable access door (50) which securely conceals connected cables (330). In one example embodiment, the computer (10) includes a housing (20) including a cable access door (50) having an open position and a closed position and a connector (145) within the housing (20) for connecting to a cable (330) originating from outside the housing (20). The cable access door (50) conceals the connector (145) and the cable (330) when the cable access door (50) is in the closed position.