Computer hinge having a hollow clutch

A portable computing device, comprising:

• a base portion having a plurality of components including at least a processor and one or more user input devices;
• a lid portion having a display in communication with one or more of the plurality of components in the base portion;
• a hinge assembly that pivotally couples the base portion to the lid portion, the hinge assembly further comprising:
• an outer clutch barrel;
• a hollow clutch disposed within the outer clutch barrel and having an annular outer region and a central bore region surrounded by the annular outer region, wherein the hollow clutch includes a first opening and a second opening disposed at distal ends of the hollow clutch and providing access to the central bore region,
• a first fastening component that facilitates the coupling of the outer clutch barrel to the base portion, and
• a second fastening component that facilitates the coupling of the hollow clutch to the lid portion;
• and
• at least one electrical conductor configured to electrically couple the base portion to the lid portion, wherein the at least one electrical conductor enters the central bore region through the first opening and exits the central bore region through the second opening.

A hollow clutch configured to help pivotally couple a portable computer base portion to a portable computer lid portion, comprising:

• a first region having an annular outer component and a central bore component surrounded by the annular outer component, wherein the first region includes a first opening and a second opening disposed at distal ends of the first region and providing access to the central bore region
• a second region having a fastening component configured to couple the hollow clutch to the lid portion of the portable computing device, wherein the first region and the second region are integrally formed as a single part;
• and
• at least one electrical conductor configured to electrically couple the base portion to the lid portion, wherein the at least one electrical conductor enters the central bore region through the first opening and exits the central bore region through the second opening.

A method of attaching a lid portion to a base portion of a computing device, comprising:

• selecting a lid portion and a base portion to be combined to form a finished single computing device;
• coupling an outer clutch barrel to the base portion;
• coupling a hollow clutch to the lid portion and positioning the hollow clutch within the outer clutch barrel, wherein the hollow clutch includes a first region having an annular outer component and a central bore component surrounded by the annular outer component, and a second region having a fastening component configured to couple the hollow clutch to the lid portion, the first region further comprising a first opening and a second opening disposed at distal ends of the first region and providing access to the central bore region;
• positioning at least one electrical conductor within the central bore portion of the hollow clutch, wherein the at least one electrical conductor enters the central bore region through the first opening and exits the central bore region through the second opening;
• and
• connecting the at least one electrical conductor to corresponding connections at both of the lid portion and the base portion of the computing device.