Adjustable Pivoting Element for Clamshell Input Module Height Variations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Clamshell electronic devices, such as notebook computers, often experience difficulties in opening and closing smoothly after a replaceable input module is installed, due to changes in thickness, leading to functional limitations.

Innovation Solution

A clamshell electronic device design featuring a pivoting element that connects the two covers, allowing for height adjustment to accommodate input modules of different heights, enabling smooth opening and closing by transitioning between multiple use states.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a replaceable input module is installed in the clamshell electronic device, then the device can meet different application needs, but the device cannot open and close smoothly due to changes in the thickness of the input module

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput module replaceabilityVSAvoidopening and closing smoothness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pivoting element is designed to be adjustable between multiple positions (first use state and second use state) to dynamically adapt to different input module thicknesses. This allows the hinge mechanism to maintain proper clearance and rotation smoothness regardless of which input module is installed, resolving the contradiction between replaceability and operational smoothness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If the pivoting element is fixed at a single position, then the structure is simple, but the device cannot accommodate input modules of different heights

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepivoting element structureVSAvoidinput module height accommodation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The pivoting element is designed with adjustability between multiple positions (first use state and second use state) to dynamically adapt to different input module heights. This allows the hinge mechanism to maintain proper clearance and rotation smoothness regardless of which input module is installed, resolving the contradiction between replaceability and operational smoothness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the pivoting element is made adjustable to fit different input module heights, then the device can accommodate various input modules, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput module height adjustmentVSAvoidpivoting element structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10684644B2Clamshell electronic device

Publication Date: 2020.06.16 CHICONY ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A clamshell electronic device is disclosed. The clamshell electronic device includes a first cover, a second cover and a pivoting element. The second cover system is provided to dispose a first input module or a second input module, wherein the first input module and the second input module have different heights. The pivoting element connects the first cover and the second cover to allow the first cover and the second cover to rotate with each other. When the second cover is disposed with the first input module or the second input module, the pivoting element can be adjusted to a first use state and a second use state.