Movable Joint Wire Lead Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing movable joints in electronic devices, such as microphones, face challenges in safely routing and protecting wire leads across the joint while maintaining a slim profile and allowing for selective movement without damaging the leads.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates recessed channels in the tab portions of the joint components to guide and contain the wire leads, preventing pinching and damage, while a pivot member enables selective movement between the components, with the channels' configuration allowing for flexible positioning and protection during rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wire leads are routed across the movable joint without protection, then the joint allows free movement, but the wire leads are susceptible to pinching and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The wire lead is nested within a recessed channel formed in the tab portion of the joint component. This channel provides a protected pathway for the wire lead as it spans the movable joint, preventing the wire from being pinched or damaged during movement while still allowing the joint to pivot freely.
2Volume of moving object
If the joint components are designed with a slim profile, then the device is more compact, but there is insufficient space to protect wire leads during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The recessed channel is formed locally within the tab portion of the joint component, creating a protected pathway specifically where the wire lead needs protection. This localized feature does not significantly increase the overall volume or profile of the joint component, maintaining the slim design while providing necessary wire protection in the critical area.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the tab portions are designed to engage tightly for stability, then the joint is more stable, but the wire leads are more likely to be pinched
Solution Approach 1:
The wire lead is nested within the recessed channel of the tab portion, which is itself part of the engaging structure. This allows the tab portions to engage tightly for stability while the wire lead remains protected within the recessed channel, preventing pinching during engagement and movement.
4Reliability
If recessed channels are added to protect wire leads, then wire protection is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The recessed channel is formed as a localized feature within the tab portion using standard manufacturing processes. This approach adds minimal complexity to the overall manufacturing process while providing effective wire lead protection where it is most needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A movable joint for an electronic device includes a first joint component having a body portion that encloses a wire lead and a tab portion coupled to the body portion, and a second joint component having a body portion that encloses the wire lead and a tab portion coupled to the body portion. The tab portion of the second joint component engages the tab portion of the first joint component with a pivot member interconnecting the tab portions to enable selective movement between the first and second joint components. The wire lead spans the movable joint between the engaged tab portions of the first and second joint components. At least one of the tab portions includes a recessed channel, the recessed channel at least partially containing the wire lead.