Lid Opening Mechanism Cable Routing for Electronic Storage Cases

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic device storage cases face challenges in accommodating distribution cables between the lid and case body, leading to issues with workability, space requirements, and increased manufacturing costs due to the need for additional components like sleeves and cableveyors.

Innovation Solution

A lid opening/closing mechanism that integrates a first member attachable to the case body for sliding and a second member rotatable and fixed to the lid, with a curved distribution cable held along these members, utilizing a cable holding member and stopper to manage the cable's storage and movement, allowing for compact positioning and improved workability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the connection lead is hanged down with excess length between the electronic device and the attachment base, then the electronic device and attachment base can rotate, but the connection lead interferes with work when the electronic device is operated and a large space is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotation capabilityVSAvoidworkability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a cable guide assembly as an intermediary component between the connection lead and the rotating parts. This assembly includes guide grooves and guide members that direct and constrain the cable's movement path, allowing rotation to occur while preventing the cable from interfering with operational work.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the cable management function from the general space and creates a dedicated cable guide assembly. By separating the cable routing function into a specific structural component with guide grooves and guide members, the cable is contained and directed along a predetermined path, eliminating interference with device operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the connection lead is hanged down with excess length, then rotation is enabled, but a large space is required for storing the connection lead making it difficult to downsize the attachment device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotation capabilityVSAvoidspace for storing connection lead
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes three-dimensional space efficiently by creating a cable guide assembly with guide grooves that route the cable through multiple dimensions. The cable is directed along a complex 3D path within the attachment base, allowing excess cable length to be accommodated in vertical and lateral directions rather than requiring increased horizontal storage space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The cable guide assembly nests the connection lead within its structured guide grooves and channels. The cable is contained within the attachment base's internal geometry, with guide members and grooves creating a nested arrangement that maximizes space utilization and minimizes the overall volume required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of operation

If a sleeve and cableveyor are provided where the connection lead hanged down with excess length, then the connection lead can be managed, but manufacturing cost increases due to increase of components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable managementVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the cable guide, cable storage, and cable protection functions into a single integrated cable guide assembly. The guide grooves, guide members, and structural components are combined into one unified structure that is molded as part of the attachment base, eliminating the need for separate sleeves and cableveyors and reducing the total component count.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cable guide assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it guides the cable along the correct path, stores excess cable length, protects the cable from damage, and maintains rotation capability. This multi-functional design replaces multiple specialized components with a single universal structure, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If a distribution cable is disposed between the case body and the lid to allow parallel movement and rotation, then the lid can be opened and closed, but no structure for accommodating the cable during movement is disclosed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelid movement capabilityVSAvoidcable accommodation structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a cable guide assembly as an intermediary structure between the case body and lid that actively manages the distribution cable during parallel movement and rotation. The guide grooves and guide members in this assembly direct the cable's path, allowing the lid to move freely while preventing cable tangling or damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3065519B1A lid opening/closing mechanism and electronic device storage case
Publication Date: 2020.09.09 YOKOGAWA ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP3065519B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3065519B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3065519B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A lid opening/closing mechanism, which attaches a lid to an opening of a case body to be openable and closable, and holds a distribution cable electrically connecting the case body and the lid, includes a first member which is attachable to an attachment surface of the case body and slidable along the attachment surface, and a second member of which one side is rotatable and attachable to the first member, and of which another side is fixed to the lid, wherein the distribution cable is curved and held along the first member and the second member.