Dual Axis Mono-Barrel Hinge Cable Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Dual axis mono-barrel hinges in information handling systems face challenges in routing cables due to restricted space, leading to cable damage and increased vertical height, as traditional mono-barrel hinges do not provide sufficient room for cable passage, while separate hinges offer more space but are bulkier.

Innovation Solution

Integrating channels in dual parallel axles of a mono-barrel hinge to route cables between rotationally coupled housing portions, with guide portions to protect cables from damage during rotation, allowing for controlled cable management and reduced vertical footprint.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If traditional mono-barrel hinges are used, then the vertical profile is reduced, but cable routing space is restricted leading to cable damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevertical profileVSAvoidcable damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates cable routing channels within the internal structure of the mono-barrel hinge, nesting the cable protection function inside the existing hinge body. The channels are formed within the barrel structure itself, allowing cables to be routed through protected pathways without increasing the external vertical profile of the hinge assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces cable protection channels as an intermediary structure between the hinge components and the cables. These channels act as a mediator that protects cables from binding and damage while maintaining the compact mono-barrel hinge design, preventing direct contact between cables and harmful external factors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If separate hinges are used to provide cable routing space, then cable management is improved, but the vertical footprint increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable protectionVSAvoidvertical footprint

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the cable routing function with the hinge structure by integrating channels directly into the mono-barrel hinge body. This combination eliminates the need for separate hinge assemblies with spacing, as the cable protection capability is consolidated within the existing compact hinge structure, maintaining minimal vertical footprint while providing adequate cable protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the mono-barrel hinge multi-functional by incorporating cable routing channels into its structure. The hinge simultaneously performs its primary rotational coupling function and provides protected cable routing, eliminating the need for separate dedicated cable management components and maintaining a compact vertical profile.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If robust hinge components are included to support repeated cycles, then durability is improved, but vertical height increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehinge durabilityVSAvoidvertical height

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the hinge components to optimize the distribution of structural elements, placing cable channels and protective features within the available horizontal space of the barrel structure rather than extending vertical height. This segmentation allows robust components to be arranged efficiently within a compact vertical envelope.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from vertical stacking of hinge components to horizontal integration within the barrel structure. By forming cable channels and protective features within the radial and longitudinal dimensions of the barrel rather than extending vertically, the design achieves robust durability while maintaining a minimal vertical profile.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS11339594B2Information handling system dual axis mono-barrel hinge

Publication Date: 2022.05.24 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

A dual axis hinge assembly couples first and second hinges to each other with a central barrel and routes cables across hinge axles with cable channels formed in the axles. The dual axis hinge assembly rotationally couples information handling system housing portions to each other and routes cables between the housing portions distal the barrel by running the cables through a channel formed in each axle of one of the hinges with the cable entering one axle distal the barrel, routing through the axle to a position proximate the barrel, crossing the hinge to enter the other hinge axle proximate the barrel and routing though the other axle to exit distal the barrel.