Protective Case Hinge Mechanism for Multi-Angle Tablet Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing protective cases for tablet computers only allow for single-angle support, limiting the ability to adjust the support angle randomly and failing to meet user requirements in various application scenarios.

Innovation Solution

A hinge mechanism with a first and second rotating shaft assembly, connected to different portions of the protective case, allows for synchronized rotation of these portions, enabling adjustable support angles through a transmission part that cooperates with both shaft assemblies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If soft rubber is used to connect support structures for simple rotation, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the support angle cannot be adjusted randomly and is limited to single-angle support

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of support angleVSAvoidcomplexity of hinge mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protective case is divided into multiple portions (first portion, second portion, third portion) connected by separate rotating shaft assemblies. Each shaft assembly can rotate independently, allowing the case to achieve multiple support angles by combining different rotation angles of each segment, thus improving adaptability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge mechanism incorporates two rotating shaft assemblies that enable dynamic adjustment of support angles. The first rotating shaft assembly connects the first and second portions, while the second rotating shaft assembly connects the second and third portions. Both assemblies allow random angle adjustment within their respective rotation ranges, transforming the static single-angle support into a dynamic multi-angle support system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If two rotating shaft assemblies are introduced to enable synchronized rotation, then random support angle adjustment is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of support angleVSAvoidnumber of rotating shaft assemblies
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first and second rotating shaft assemblies are integrated through the shared second portion of the protective case. The transmission part connects both shaft assemblies, allowing them to work together as a coordinated system. This merging approach enables the two assemblies to function as a unified mechanism for achieving synchronized rotation and random angle adjustment, rather than operating as completely separate systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The second portion of the protective case serves as an intermediary component that connects both rotating shaft assemblies. It receives rotation from the first shaft assembly and transmits it to the third portion via the second shaft assembly. This intermediary structure allows the two shaft assemblies to cooperate efficiently, enabling random angle adjustment while distributing the mechanical complexity across multiple manageable components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 adjustable support angles, enhancing the usability of electronic devices in multiple scenarios by accommodating diverse user needs and improving performance.

Implementation Method 1

a first rotating shaft assembly of the hinge mechanism is fixedly connected to a first portion of the protective case, and is further rotatably connected to a second portion of the protective case

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical rotation: Hinge

Implementation Method 2

a second rotating shaft assembly of the hinge mechanism is fixedly connected to a second portion of the protective case, and is further rotatably connected to a third portion of the protective case

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical rotation: Hinge

Implementation Method 3

a transmission part of the hinge mechanism cooperates with both the first rotating shaft assembly and the second rotating shaft assembly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical transmission: Gear

Data Source

PatentEP4206860B1Hinge mechanism, protective case of electronic device, and electronic device assembly
Publication Date: 2025.07.16 HONOR DEVICE CO LTD
  • EP4206860B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4206860B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4206860B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An embodiment of this application provides a hinge mechanism, a protective case for an electronic device, and an electronic device assembly. The hinge mechanism is applied to the protective case for the electronic device. A first rotating shaft assembly in the hinge mechanism is fixedly connected to a first portion of the protective case, and is further rotatably connected to a second portion of the protective case. A second rotating shaft assembly in the hinge mechanism is fixedly connected to the second portion of the protective case, and is further rotatably connected to a third portion of the protective case. When the second portion of the protective case rotates relative to the first portion of the protective case by using the first rotating shaft assembly, a transmission part that cooperates with both the first rotating shaft assembly and the second rotating shaft assembly is configured to drive the third portion of the protective case to rotate relative to the second portion of the protective case by using the second rotating shaft assembly. Therefore, an adjustment of a random support angle of the electronic device can be implemented, so that a use requirement of a user in more application scenarios can be met, thereby improving use performance of the electronic device.