Collapsible Electronic Equipment Hinge Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hinges in electronic equipment, such as notebook computers, are complex and costly, hindering smooth rotation of touch displays to the rear side of the mainframe, making them inconvenient to use.

Innovation Solution

A collapsible electronic equipment with a hinge device featuring a shaft that pivots on a shifting mechanism driven by a motorized gear set, allowing the display to rotate smoothly between 90 degrees and 270 degrees, enabling the display to cover either the front or rear surface of the mainframe.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a dual-axis hinge is used to allow the touch display to rotate to the rear side of the mainframe, then the display can rotate to the rear side, but the structure becomes very complex and manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay rotation capabilityVSAvoidhinge structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge device is divided into two independent single-axis hinges: a first hinge for rotating the display from the closed position to the extended position, and a second hinge for rotating the display from the extended position to the rear position. This segmentation allows each hinge to perform a specific rotation function with simple structure, avoiding the complexity of a dual-axis hinge while achieving the same overall adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a dual-axis hinge is used to allow the touch display to rotate to the rear side of the mainframe, then the display can rotate to the rear side, but the manufacturing cost becomes high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay rotation capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge device is divided into two independent single-axis hinges: a first hinge for rotating the display from the closed position to the extended position, and a second hinge for rotating the display from the extended position to the rear position. This segmentation allows each hinge to perform a specific rotation function with simple structure, avoiding the complexity of a dual-axis hinge while achieving the same overall adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If a conventional hinge is used, then the structure remains simple, but the display rotation process is not smooth and usability is hindered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehinge structure simplicityVSAvoiddisplay rotation smoothness
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge device incorporates a driving mechanism that dynamically adjusts the rotation process. The driving mechanism includes a driving component that rotates and drives a translating component to move the display assembly smoothly from the extended position to the rear position. This dynamic adjustment ensures smooth rotation and improves usability while maintaining relative structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 simplified hinge structure reduces manufacturing costs and enhances user convenience by allowing smooth rotation of the display, making the equipment easier to use in various configurations.

Implementation Method 1

a driving mechanism coupled to the shifting mechanism. The driving mechanism is adapted to drive the shifting mechanism and the shaft to move up and down

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGear mechanism: Gear

Implementation Method 2

the shaft is pivoted on the shifting mechanism; and a driving mechanism coupled to the shifting mechanism

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPivoting: Hinge

Data Source

PatentEP2685344B1Collapsible electronic equipment
Publication Date: 2019.12.04 ACER INC
  • EP2685344B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2685344B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2685344B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A collapsible electronic equipment includes a first part, a hinge device, and a second part. The first part pivots on the second part via the hinge device. When the second part is inclined at an inclined angle relative to the first part, a shaft of the hinge device is moved from a first position to a second position.