Adjustable Hinge Module with Retractable Shaft for Tilt Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is no universal hinge that can effectively compensate for various tilt forces across different information handling systems, as existing hinges require individual adjustments with different torsion spring forces and frictional forces to manage tilt forces specific to each system.

Innovation Solution

A hinge module with a retractable shaft and adjustable torsion spring mechanism, allowing the hinge assembly to adjust between two positional states to accommodate different tilt forces, featuring a compressible pin, ratchet stopper, and adjustable shaft to apply varying hinge forces, ensuring stability across different display sizes and tilt thresholds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If individual hinges with different torsion spring forces are used for each display size, then tilt force compensation is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetilt force compensationVSAvoidhinge configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge assembly is designed as a universal mechanism that can accommodate multiple display sizes and tilt force requirements through a single standardized design. The retractable shaft mechanism allows the same hinge to function with different torque characteristics by adjusting shaft extension, eliminating the need for multiple specialized hinges for different display configurations.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge incorporates a dynamic retractable shaft mechanism that can change its effective length and torque characteristics during operation. The shaft can be extended or retracted to adjust the mechanical advantage and torsion spring force distribution, allowing the hinge to adapt to different tilt force requirements without changing the basic hinge structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If adjustable torsion spring forces are implemented, then adaptability to different tilt forces is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetilt force adjustmentVSAvoidadjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment mechanism is divided into discrete segments or positions along the retractable shaft. The shaft includes multiple engagement points or detents that correspond to different torque settings, allowing stepwise adjustment rather than continuous variation. This segmented approach simplifies the control mechanism while providing adequate adaptability for different display sizes and tilt force requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 hinge module provides adjustable tilt resistance, preventing tilting for both low and high tilt forces, accommodating different display sizes by adjusting the retractable shaft and torsion spring forces, thus offering a versatile solution for diverse information handling systems.

Implementation Method 1

a compressible pin such that when the compressible pin is positioned within the first pair of recesses, the retractable shaft is in the first position, and when the compressible pin is positioned with the second pair of recesses, the retractable shaft is in the second position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a torsion spring positioned around the hinge assembly; a ratchet stopper coupled to the torsion spring; and an adjustable shaft, wherein a first end of the adjustable shaft is positioned within the hollow portion of the retractable shaft, the adjustable shaft including a second end that engages the ratchet stopper to adjust a state of the torsion spring such that when the adjustable shaft is in a first position with respect to the ratchet stopper, the torsion spring applies a first hinge force to the base bracket, and when the adjustable shaft is in a second position with respect to the ratchet stopper, the torsion spring applies a second hinge force to the base bracket

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTorsion spring: Torsion Spring

Data Source

PatentUS11009920B1Adjustable hinge module for information handling systems
Publication Date: 2021.05.18 DELL PROD LP
  • US11009920B1 patent drawing
  • US11009920B1 patent drawing
  • US11009920B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A hinge assembly for a computing system, including a hinge assembly coupled to a base bracket of a display assembly, including: a sleeve including a hollow portion at a first end of the sleeve; a retractable shaft, wherein a first end of the retractable shaft is positioned within the hollow portion of the sleeve, the retractable shaft adjustable between a first positional state and a second positional state with respect to the sleeve such that: when the retractable shaft is in the first positional state, a second end of the retractable shaft, opposite the first end, extends a first distance from a second end of the sleeve, opposite the first end of the sleeve; when the retractable shaft is in the second position state, the second end of the retractable shaft extends a second distance from the second end of the sleeve, the second distance greater than the first distance.