Adjustable Hinge Structure for Mobile Cover Angle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hinge structures in mobile electronic products, such as mobile computers, do not allow users to adjust the inclined angle of the cover, limiting the visible distance and optimal viewing angle of the display screen, which is not in conformity with human-factors engineering.
Innovation Solution
A hinge structure comprising master and auxiliary connecting means, first and second hinge units, guide pins, vertical sliding slots, Y-shaped notches, and a return spring assembly that allows the cover to be adjusted to a desired inclined angle by unlocking the second hinge unit when the cover is opened to a predetermined angle, enabling forward and backward displacement of the auxiliary connecting members relative to the master connecting members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional hinge structure is used to joint the cover to the base member, then the cover can be opened and closed, but the user cannot adjust the inclined angle of the cover relative to the user
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge structure transitions from a static fixed-angle design to a dynamic adjustable-angle design. The cover can be held at multiple inclined angles through the interaction of the auxiliary connecting means, guide means, and retaining means, allowing users to adjust the cover to their preferred viewing position while maintaining structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge structure is divided into multiple functional segments: master connecting means for primary connection, auxiliary connecting means for angle adjustment, guide means for movement control, and retaining means for position locking. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component's function while working together to achieve adjustable inclination.
2Ease of operation
If the cover opening angle is limited by a conventional hinge structure, then the structure is simple, but the visible distance and optimal viewing angle cannot be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary connecting means is nested within the master connecting means structure. The guide means and retaining means are integrated into the auxiliary connecting means, creating a compact nested arrangement that provides adjustment functionality without significantly increasing overall structural complexity or space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary connecting means acts as an intermediary mechanism between the master connecting means and the cover. It mediates the transition from fixed-angle to adjustable-angle functionality by providing the mechanical interface for angle adjustment while maintaining connection to both the base structure and cover.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the auxiliary connecting means is movable relative to the master connecting means, then angle adjustment is enabled, but the structure requires additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary connecting means serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides forward and backward movement for angle adjustment, contains the guide means for motion control, and incorporates the retaining means for position locking. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide means and retaining means are merged into the auxiliary connecting means structure rather than being separate components. The guide slots and retaining features are integrated directly into the auxiliary connecting means body, reducing component count while maintaining the necessary adjustment and locking functionalities.
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
Enables the cover of mobile electronic products to be adjusted to the best view angle, enhancing user convenience and aligning with human-factors engineering principles by allowing the cover to be biased relative to the base member.
Implementation Method 1
a first hinge unit mounted on the base member of the lifting cover type mobile electronic product and pivoted to the bottom end of the master connecting means for allowing biasing of the master connecting means relative to the base member
Implementation Method 2
for allowing biasing of the master connecting means relative to the base member
Implementation Method 3
the guide means of the auxiliary connecting means is moved relative to the guide pin
Implementation Method 4
a second hinge unit mounted on the cover of the lifting cover type mobile electronic product and pivoted to the top end of the master connecting means and set in the retaining means of the auxiliary connecting means to prohibit biasing of the cover relative to the master connecting means
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge structure is disclosed to include a first hinge structure and a second hinge structure respectively mounted on the base member and cover of a lifter cover type mobile electronic product, two master connecting members coupled between the first hinge structure and the second hinge structure for allowing the cover to be opened from the base member, and two auxiliary connecting members coupled between the first hinge structure and the second hinge structure in such a manner that the auxiliary connecting members lock the cover to the second hinge structure and the cover is closed on the base member, and unlock the cover from the second hinge structure for adjustment of the inclined angle of the cover when the cover is opened from base member.