Auxiliary Screen Linkage Hinge for Interference-Free Notebook Opening

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Solution Overview

Problem

In notebook computers with auxiliary screens, insufficient space between the main and host screens due to small opening angles prevents the auxiliary screen from being flipped or lifted, causing interference.

Innovation Solution

A hinge structure and linkage mechanism that only drives the electronic assembly to open when the opening angle exceeds a predetermined angle, preventing interference and allowing smooth flipping and lifting of the auxiliary screen.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the auxiliary screen is designed to be flipped or lifted as the main screen is opened, then the auxiliary screen can provide additional display and operation functions, but when the opening angle is small the auxiliary screen cannot be flipped or lifted due to insufficient space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay and operation functionsVSAvoidflipping or lifting operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A linkage mechanism is introduced as an intermediary between the hinge structure and the auxiliary screen. This linkage mechanism includes a driving component connected to the hinge structure and a driven component connected to the auxiliary screen, with a transmission component transferring motion between them. The linkage mechanism mediates the motion transfer while ensuring the auxiliary screen only flips or lifts when sufficient space is available, resolving the contradiction between providing additional functions and enabling smooth operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the auxiliary screen is flipped or lifted at small opening angles, then the auxiliary screen can be operated, but it interferes with the main screen due to insufficient space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflipping or lifting operationVSAvoidinterference with main screen
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the operational parameters of the auxiliary screen based on the opening angle parameter. When the opening angle is smaller than a predetermined threshold, the linkage mechanism prevents the auxiliary screen from flipping or lifting. When the opening angle exceeds the threshold, the linkage mechanism enables the auxiliary screen to flip or lift. This parameter-based control eliminates interference with the main screen while preserving operational capability when space is sufficient.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If the hinge structure drives the electronic assembly at all opening angles, then the electronic assembly can always be opened, but it causes interference when space is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveopening operation availabilityVSAvoidinterference with screen
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge structure provides feedback about the opening angle to the linkage mechanism. The linkage mechanism monitors the opening angle and adjusts its operation accordingly - preventing the electronic assembly from opening when the angle is too small, and enabling it when the angle is sufficient. This feedback-based control ensures the electronic assembly can be opened whenever space permits, maximizing productivity while avoiding harmful interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 auxiliary screen to be successfully flipped and lifted without interfering with the main screen, enhancing user convenience and versatility by ensuring adequate space is available at larger opening angles.

Implementation Method 1

The first body and the second body are pivoted to each other through the hinge structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHinge mechanism: Hinge

Implementation Method 2

the second rotating shaft is connected to the second body and has a cam; the linkage mechanism is adapted to be driven by the cam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCam mechanism: Cam

Implementation Method 3

The linkage mechanism includes a plurality of link rods sequentially connected

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLinkage mechanism: Four-Bar Linkage

Data Source

PatentUS11132031B2Electronic device
Publication Date: 2021.09.28 COMPAL ELECTRONICS INC
  • US11132031B2 patent drawing
  • US11132031B2 patent drawing
  • US11132031B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An electronic device including a first body, a second body, a hinge structure, an electronic assembly and a linkage mechanism is provided. The first body and the second body are pivoted to each other through the hinge structure. The electronic assembly is disposed on the first body. The linkage mechanism is disposed in the first body and connected between the hinge structure and the electronic assembly. When the second body is closed to the first body, the electronic assembly is hidden between the first body and the second body. When the second body is opened relative to the first body with an opening angle less than a predetermined angle, the hinge structure does not drive the linkage mechanism. When the second body is opened relative to the first body with the opening angle not less than the predetermined angle, the hinge structure drives the linkage mechanism and the linkage mechanism drives the electronic assembly to be opened relative to the first body.