Hinge Assembly Protecting Cables in Electronic Cases
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinge mechanisms for carryable cases housing electronics fail to adequately protect electrical cables from mechanical damage, moisture, and debris while being easily fabricated and assembled.
Innovation Solution
A hinge assembly comprising two hollow semi-cylinders joined by a living hinge, forming a continuous central channel and a tubular connecting rod that securely rotates and protects electrical conductors, with features like fasteners and grommets to prevent damage and facilitate assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional hinge mechanisms are used to couple case halves, then the hinge provides basic rotational coupling, but the electrical cables are exposed to mechanical damage, moisture, and debris
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the hinge mechanism with the electrical cable conduit function into a single integrated structure. The hollow cylindrical body of the hinge assembly serves dual purposes: providing rotational coupling between case halves and protecting electrical cables routed through its central channel, eliminating the need for separate cable protection components
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs mechanical coupling (rotating case halves) and environmental protection (shielding cables from moisture, debris, and mechanical damage). The living hinge provides rotational functionality while the hollow cylindrical structure with sealed ends creates a protective enclosure for cable routing
2Reliability
If a durable and protective hinge assembly is designed, then cable protection is improved, but manufacturing and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: a living hinge section for rotational movement and a hollow cylindrical body for cable protection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and assembled together, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining overall durability
Solution Approach 2:
The living hinge is constructed as a flexible thin-walled structure that provides both rotational flexibility and structural integrity. This flexible shell design allows the hinge to withstand repeated opening/closing cycles while maintaining the sealed enclosure for cable protection, achieving durability without complex reinforcement
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the hinge assembly includes multiple components for cable protection, then cable protection is enhanced, but assembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly merges cable protection functionality directly into the hinge structure itself through the hollow cylindrical body with sealed ends. This integration eliminates the need for separate cable conduits or protective coverings, reducing the number of assembly steps while providing comprehensive protection against mechanical forces, moisture, and debris
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge assembly for pivotally joining the opposing halves of a carryable case, especially a case for housing an electronic apparatus. The disclosed hinge is adapted to convey electrical conductors from one half of the case to the other, while protecting them from damage by excessive flexing, abrasion, moisture, and debris.