Low Profile Hinge Assembly with Elastic Cable Cover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable information handling systems face challenges in minimizing system height while maintaining robustness and efficient cable routing, as traditional hinge structures often compromise on size and aesthetics to accommodate rotational motion and cable management.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile hinge assembly with an elastic cover that stretches and compresses to securely enclose cables between housing portions, allowing for reduced hinge size and improved cable routing, while maintaining robustness and aesthetic appeal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a robust hinge structure is used to withstand repeated rotational cycles, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and system height increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is divided into multiple synchronized hinges that work together, with each hinge handling specific rotational segments. This segmentation allows the complex rotational motion to be distributed across simpler individual hinge components, reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining reliability through coordinated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension for cable routing by creating a cable channel that passes through the hinge assembly vertically. This dimensional change allows cables to be routed through the hinge structure rather than around it, reducing the horizontal space required and minimizing system height while maintaining robust hinge functionality.
2Length of stationary object
If minimal system height is achieved by minimizing hinge size, then portability is improved, but cable routing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a vertical cable channel through the hinge assembly, utilizing the vertical dimension to route cables. This allows minimal system height to be achieved horizontally while providing adequate space for cable routing in the vertical dimension, solving both constraints simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly acts as an intermediary structure that contains an integrated cable channel. This intermediary design allows cables to be routed through the hinge itself rather than requiring separate cable management structures, simplifying the overall assembly process while maintaining compact dimensions.
3Reliability
If synchronized mechanisms are added to regulate housing portion motion, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization mechanism is merged with the hinge assembly structure itself rather than being a separate component. The synchronized hinges are integrated into the same structural framework that provides rotational support, combining multiple functions into a unified structure that reduces overall device complexity while maintaining reliable synchronized motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides rotational support for the housing portions, enables synchronized motion through integrated hinges, and contains cable routing channels. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
4Reliability
If robust hinge structures are used to support rotational motion, then reliability is improved, but system height increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions cable routing from the horizontal plane to the vertical dimension by creating a cable channel that passes through the hinge assembly vertically. This allows the hinge structure to maintain robust structural integrity for supporting rotational motion while minimizing horizontal dimensions and system height.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable channel is nested within the hinge assembly structure itself, with cables passing through the internal volume of the hinge. This nesting allows the robust hinge structure to maintain its structural integrity for rotational support while containing the cable routing pathway within its boundaries, avoiding additional height requirements.
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 reduces hinge size, enhances cable management, and provides synchronized movement between closed and tablet positions without complex routing constraints, resulting in a more portable and aesthetically pleasing design.
Implementation Method 1
An elastic cover is stretched over a hinge assembly and between housing portions to protect cables that travel between the housing portions
Data Source
AI summary
A portable information handling system has a hinge assembly that rotationally couples lid and main portions with one or more communication cables passing between the lid and main portions. A flexible cover over the hinge assembly protects the cables and offers free rotational motion by stretching and compressing responsive to rotation of the lid and main portions relative to each other.