Wire-Passable Hinge Structure for Thinner Foldable Electronics
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable electronic devices have a complicated structure and low space utilization due to the need for a hinge protector casing to shield the conductive wire, resulting in a larger product size that is not conducive to thinner designs.
Innovation Solution
A wire-passable hinge is designed to integrate a rotary rod unit with a wire passageway and a hinge casing unit that allows conductive wires to pass through, eliminating the need for additional casing and optimizing space utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hinge protector casing is used to protect the hinge and conductive wire, then the hinge and wire are protected, but the structure becomes complicated and space utilization decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the hinge structure with the conductive wire routing by integrating wire passageways directly into the hinge components (hinge body and hinge cap). This eliminates the need for a separate hinge protector casing, as the hinge itself now serves both mechanical rotation and wire protection functions. The wire passageway is formed within the hinge body, combining structural support and wire guidance into a single integrated component.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge structure is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical rotation for the foldable device, guides and protects the conductive wire through integrated passageways, and maintains structural integrity. The hinge body serves as both a mechanical joint and a protective enclosure for the wire, eliminating the need for dedicated protective casings.
2Reliability
If a hinge protector casing is used to shield the conductive wire, then the wire is protected, but the product size increases and space utilization decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective function for the conductive wire is merged into the hinge structure itself. The wire passageway is formed within the hinge body and hinge cap, allowing the hinge to simultaneously protect the wire and maintain a compact form factor. This integration eliminates the need for additional protective casings that would increase device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive wire is nested within the hinge structure by routing it through passageways formed inside the hinge body and hinge cap. The wire is contained within the existing hinge volume rather than requiring external protective casings, effectively nesting the wire protection function within the hinge's own structure.
3Reliability
If additional casing is used to protect the conductive wire, then the wire is protected, but the device cannot be made thinner
Solution Approach 1:
The wire protection function is merged into the hinge assembly, allowing the conductive wire to be routed through and protected by the hinge's own structure. This integration eliminates the need for additional external casings that would increase device thickness, enabling thinner foldable device designs while maintaining wire protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge structure is designed to simultaneously provide mechanical rotation and protect the conductive wire through integrated passageways. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate protective casings that would add to device thickness, allowing the hinge to serve dual purposes within the same volume.
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 wire-passable hinge improves space utilization and facilitates a thinner design for electronic devices by allowing conductive wires to pass through the hinge without the need for additional casing, thereby reducing the overall device size.
Implementation Method 1
a bushing that is sleeved rotatably on the rotary rod
Data Source
AI summary
A wire-passable hinge is mounted between a first casing body and a second casing body. The first casing body and the second casing body are electrically connected to each other by a conductive wire. The wire-passable hinge includes a rotary rod that has a wire passageway to allow passage of the conductive wire, and a bushing that is sleeved rotatably on the rotary rod. A first hinge casing is connected to the first casing body. The rotary rod extends into the first hinge casing. The first hinge casing further allows the conductive wire to pass therethrough. A second hinge casing is connected to the second casing body. The bushing is disposed within the second hinge casing. The second hinge casing further allows the conductive wire to pass therethrough.