Dual Pivot Hinge Cable Strain Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Head-mounted wearable computing devices face challenges in accommodating electronic components due to space constraints and the need for flexible cable management within the hinge mechanisms, which can lead to cable kinking and damage during rotation.
Innovation Solution
A dual pivot hinge mechanism that guides a flex cable through two 45-degree bends, reducing strain and maintaining a constant cable length, thereby eliminating the need for additional cable length and stress loops, while allowing for a full range of motion without kinking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single pivot hinge mechanism is used to couple the arm portion to the front frame portion, then the device structure is simple, but the flex cable experiences excessive bending strain and kinking during full range of motion
Solution Approach 1:
The single pivot hinge is segmented into two separate pivot pins (first pivot pin and second pivot pin) that work together to guide the flex cable. Each pivot pin handles approximately half of the bending strain, distributing the mechanical load and preventing excessive strain on any single point of the cable, thereby eliminating kinking while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Reliability
If additional cable length and stress loops are added to accommodate cable bending, then the flex cable can withstand bending strain, but the device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dual pivot pin system acts as an intermediary mechanism between the arm portion and front frame portion, providing a structured path for the flex cable to follow during bending. This intermediary structure eliminates the need for additional cable length and stress loops by efficiently managing cable strain through the pivot geometry, thereby maintaining compact device volume while ensuring cable durability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the hinge mechanism allows for full range of motion, then the device provides adequate flexibility and adjustability, but the flex cable is more prone to kinking and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful bending strain that would normally cause cable kinking is converted into a beneficial guiding mechanism. The pivot pins are positioned and configured to follow the natural bending path of the cable during full range of motion, transforming the potentially harmful stress into a controlled guidance function that prevents kinking while maintaining full adaptability and adjustability.
Data Source
AI summary
A head mounted wearable computing device includes a frame including arm portions rotatably coupled to a front frame portion, with electronic components housed in and/or on the front frame portion and the arm portions. Cables run through hinge mechanisms rotatably coupling the arm portions and the front frame portion for connection of electronic components in the arm portions and the front frame portion. The hinge mechanism includes a dual pivot structure that guides the bending of cables through the hinge mechanism through approximately 90 degrees of bending through two pivot points. The dual pivot structure reduces localized strain on the cable through the range of motion of the hinge mechanism. The dual pivot structure allows for a rotation through the range of motion with little to no extra cable length to accommodate the bending of the cable.