Hinge Assembly with Concealed Wire Routing Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door hinge systems fail to effectively route wires or power transfer mediums in a concealed and protected manner, lacking in structural security and ease of installation, especially when accommodating large gauge wires or multiple wires.
Innovation Solution
A hinge assembly with interleaved leaves and housings that securely route conduits, allowing omni-directional movement through turret assemblies and ball-and-socket connections, featuring a flexible conduit system with end caps and seating springs for structural security and easy installation, capable of accommodating various wire gauges and types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wires are passed through hinge pin or knuckles, then wire routing is achieved, but structural security and protection are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge is divided into separate functional components: hinge leaves for mechanical support and a distinct housing for wire routing. This segmentation allows the wire routing function to be isolated and protected without complicating the overall hinge structure.
Solution Approach 2:
A conduit housing acts as an intermediary structure between the hinge leaves, providing a protected pathway for wires. This mediator component shields the wires from mechanical stress and environmental factors while maintaining hinge functionality.
2Ease of manufacture
If recesses or passageways are created in hinge leaves, then wire routing is enabled, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wire routing function is segmented from the hinge leaf structure itself. Instead of creating complex recesses or passageways within the leaves, a separate housing component is used, simplifying the manufacturing of individual hinge leaves while enabling integrated wire routing.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing component serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, protects the wires, and facilitates wire routing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, simplifying overall manufacturing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional routing systems are used that are not hinges, then wire routing is achieved, but the door cannot be hung on the same system
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism and wire routing system are merged into a single integrated assembly. The housing is attached to the hinge leaves, combining the mechanical support function of the hinge with the wire protection and routing function in one unified structure that serves both purposes simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly is designed with universal functionality, serving both as a mechanical support for hanging the door and as a routing system for wires. This dual-function design eliminates the need for separate routing systems and simplifies installation.
4Quantity of substance
If large gauge wires or multiple wires are routed through conventional systems, then power transfer is achieved, but structural security is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The housing and conduit are pre-installed on the hinge leaves before wire installation. This preliminary preparation creates a protected pathway that can accommodate large gauge wires or multiple wires without compromising structural security, as the protection structure is already in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The conduit housing serves as an intermediary protective structure that shields the wires from mechanical stress and environmental factors. This mediator allows multiple or large gauge wires to be routed securely without compromising the integrity of the hinge assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge is provided. In at least one embodiment, the hinge includes: a first hinge leaf; a second hinge leaf interleaved with the first hinge leaf; a housing defined within a posterior side of at least one of the first hinge leaf and the second hinge leaf and configured to receive a conduit adapted to receive and pass through a medium of power transfer from the first hinge leaf to the second hinge leaf on an anterior side of the first hinge leaf and second hinge leaf; and an aperture defined on the anterior side of at least one of the first hinge leaf and the second hinge leaf through which to access the housing. In various embodiments the hinge can include multiple housings, fittings, turrets, and ball-and-socket fittings. In various embodiments, conduits are flexible, rigid, both flexible and rigid, elastic, braided, and telescoping.