Hinge Assembly Protecting Conductors via Integrated Hollow Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinge mechanisms for carryable cases housing electronics fail to adequately protect electrical conductors from mechanical forces, 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 to house a tubular connecting rod, which allows electrical conductors to pass through and is secured with fasteners, providing protection and easy 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 electrical conductors are exposed to mechanical damage, moisture, and debris
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the hinge mechanism with the electrical conductor conduit into a single integrated structure. The hinge body itself forms a hollow cylinder that houses the electrical conductors, eliminating the need for separate protective conduits and reducing overall device complexity while providing protection against mechanical damage, moisture, and debris.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides rotational coupling between case halves, houses and protects electrical conductors from environmental hazards, and maintains structural integrity. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by improving conductor protection without adding separate components.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a protective conduit is added for electrical conductors, then conductor protection is improved, but manufacturing and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective conduit function is merged into the hinge body structure itself. The hollow cylindrical hinge housing is formed as an integral part of the hinge mechanism, allowing electrical conductors to be routed through it during a single manufacturing process. This eliminates the need for separate conduit components and simplifies both fabrication and assembly.
3Reliability
If multiple separate components are used in the hinge assembly, then reliability and protection are improved, but assembly complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is designed as an integrated unit where the hinge body, protective housing, and conductor routing path are formed together. This single-component design maintains reliability by providing continuous protection for electrical conductors while dramatically reducing assembly time, as no separate components need to be assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical conductors are pre-routed through the hollow hinge housing during the hinge manufacturing process itself. This preliminary action ensures conductors are properly positioned and protected before the hinge is installed in the final assembly, reducing on-site assembly time and ensuring reliable conductor protection from the outset.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively protects electrical conductors from mechanical damage and moisture, while being simple to manufacture and assemble, ensuring reliable operation of the hinge mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a first hollow section and a second hollow section coupled together by a living hinge
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.