Hinge Cam Mechanism for Energy Waveguide Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hinge mechanisms in electronic devices, such as eyeglasses, are not well-suited for routing energy waveguides, causing wires to be exposed, stretched, and bent tightly, which can negatively impact the lifetime and quality of signal transmission between electronic components.
Innovation Solution
A hinge assembly with a cam mechanism that translates parallel to the axis of rotation, guiding energy waveguides through ports to maintain a consistent path and prevent bending or twisting, ensuring the longevity and functionality of the energy waveguide.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a traditional hinge mechanism is used to route wires, then the device can achieve compact size and rotational movement, but the wire becomes exposed, stretched, and bent tightly which reduces wire lifetime and signal quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cam mechanism as an intermediary component between the rotating temple arm and the wire routing path. The cam translates rotational motion into translational motion, mediating the interaction between the hinge rotation and wire positioning. This intermediary mechanism allows the wire to remain protected and maintain consistent routing while the temple arm rotates, resolving the contradiction between compact hinge size and wire reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the dimension of motion from pure rotation to translation by using the cam mechanism. Instead of the wire following the rotational path directly, the cam converts the rotational input into linear translational output, which then drives the wire routing. This dimensional transformation allows the wire to move in a straighter path without tight bending, improving wire lifetime while maintaining the compact hinge structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the hinge mechanism allows rotation, then the device achieves adaptability for different positions, but the wire path becomes inconsistent causing stretching and bending
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic cam mechanism that changes its effective geometry as it rotates. The cam's eccentric design allows it to translate rotational movement into controlled translational movement of the wire routing. As the temple arm rotates to different positions, the cam dynamically adjusts the wire path, maintaining consistency and preventing stretching or bending. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between position adjustability and wire path stability.
3Volume of moving object
If the wire is routed through a small hinge mechanism, then the device achieves compact size, but the wire must bend tightly which impacts signal transmission quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the cam mechanism to change the wire routing from a constrained two-dimensional path within the small hinge to a three-dimensional translational path. The cam converts rotational motion into linear translation, allowing the wire to be routed in a straighter path that extends outside the compact hinge volume. This dimensional change enables compact device size while maintaining signal transmission quality by eliminating tight bends.
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge assembly for an electronic device. The hinge assembly includes a first component coupled to a second component by a cam. The cam includes a cylinder coupled to the first component and a bottom cap coupled to the second component by a fastener. The cylinder includes a first port and a second port, where an energy waveguide passes from the first component into the first port and through the second port into the second component. The first component rotates about an axis of rotation in relation to the second component from a first rotational position to a second rotational position. The first component is offset relative to the second component in the second rotational position. The offset includes a translation along an axis parallel to an axis of rotation and a rotation about the axis of rotation.