Convertible Hinge Cable Routing System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional convertible laptop/tablet computing devices with a monohinge design require a larger hinge chassis and increase the risk of damaging the display cable due to repeated engagement with shafts when switching between orientations.
Innovation Solution
The display cable is routed through the hinge housing adjacent the first hinge wall and between the first and second shafts, ensuring no portion of the cable is located between the second hinge wall and either shaft, thereby reducing the hinge chassis size and minimizing cable engagement with the shafts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the display cable is routed through the hinge mechanism with shafts in a conventional monohinge design, then the cable can be connected between the display device and computing components, but the hinge chassis requires a larger size and the cable is at risk of damage from repeated engagement with the shafts
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge chassis is segmented into distinct functional zones: a first hinge wall for cable routing, a second hinge wall for shaft mounting, and a free volume between them. This segmentation allows the cable to be isolated from the shafts, preventing damage while maintaining a compact overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The first hinge wall acts as an intermediary structure that separates the display cable from the rotating shafts. By routing the cable adjacent to the first hinge wall and maintaining it between the first hinge wall and the shafts, the cable is protected from direct engagement with the shafts during rotation.
2Device complexity
If the display cable is routed between the shafts and the second hinge wall in conventional designs, then the cable routing is simplified, but the hinge chassis must be larger to accommodate the cable path
Solution Approach 1:
The cable routing is moved from a traditional path between the shafts and second hinge wall to a new path adjacent to the first hinge wall. This dimensional repositioning creates a more efficient use of space, allowing the cable to be routed in a location that reduces the required hinge chassis thickness while maintaining routing simplicity.
3Length of stationary object
If the hinge chassis is reduced in size to minimize device thickness, then the overall device becomes more compact, but the cable routing options are limited and cable damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge chassis is designed with localized functional characteristics: the first hinge wall provides a dedicated cable protection zone, while the second hinge wall provides shaft mounting. This local differentiation allows the cable to be protected in specific areas without increasing the overall hinge thickness.
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge cable routing system includes a hinge chassis that includes a first hinge wall and a second hinge wall that is spaced apart from the first hinge wall to define a hinge housing between the first hinge wall and the second hinge wall. A first shaft extends through the hinge housing and out of the hinge chassis. A second shaft extends through the hinge housing and out of the hinge chassis. A cable extends through the hinge housing adjacent the first hinge wall and between the first hinge wall and each of the first shaft and the second shaft such that no portion of the cable that extends through the hinge housing is located between the second hinge wall and either of the first shaft and the second shaft.