Composite Hinge Clip for Heat Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hinge assemblies in portable electronic devices, such as laptops, experience overheating and wear due to frictional forces during folding and unfolding, leading to potential breakage of the clip due to inadequate heat dissipation and mechanical stress.
Innovation Solution
A hinge assembly clip formed from a composite material, specifically carbon fiber reinforced aluminum and metal, which enhances thermal conductivity and tensile strength, allowing for better heat dissipation and reduced wear and tear, while also being lightweight and flexible to prevent breakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a conventional single-material clip is used to couple hinge shafts, then the manufacturing process is simple and cost-effective, but the thermal conductivity is insufficient leading to overheating and wear during folding and unfolding operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining aluminum (providing thermal conductivity) and stainless steel (providing tensile strength) in a single clip component. This resolves the contradiction by achieving superior heat dissipation and mechanical properties simultaneously, preventing overheating and wear during hinge operations while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters of the clip by selecting specific aluminum and stainless steel ratios and configurations. This allows optimization of thermal conductivity and tensile strength parameters to resolve the overheating and wear problems while managing the complexity of material composition
2Strength
If a conventional single-material clip is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the tensile strength is insufficient leading to breakage under high torque mechanical stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines aluminum and stainless steel materials in the clip to achieve superior tensile strength. The stainless steel component provides the necessary mechanical strength to withstand high torque loads during folding and unfolding operations, preventing breakage while the aluminum component maintains thermal conductivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes material parameters by selecting specific aluminum and stainless steel combinations and configurations. This resolves the contradiction between simple manufacturing and sufficient tensile strength by finding the optimal balance in material composition that provides breakage resistance under high torque conditions
3Reliability
If a heavier material is used to increase strength and heat dissipation, then the durability and heat dissipation improve, but the portability and flexibility of the device are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite of aluminum and stainless steel that provides both high strength and good thermal conductivity while maintaining relatively low weight. This resolves the contradiction by achieving durability and heat dissipation improvements without significantly increasing the clip weight, preserving device portability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes material parameters by selecting lightweight aluminum as the primary material and combining it with stainless steel for strength enhancement. This approach achieves improved durability and heat dissipation while minimizing weight increase, maintaining the flexibility and portability required for portable electronic devices
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 composite material clip effectively distributes heat generated during operation, reducing wear and tear, and providing enhanced durability and longevity by absorbing pressure and facilitating cooling through air passages, thus preventing overheating and mechanical stress-induced breakage.
Implementation Method 1
the clip has a better thermal conductivity and better heat dissipation properties which enable the heat generated during operation of the hinge assembly to effectively distribute
Implementation Method 2
facilitating cooling through air passages
Data Source
AI summary
Examples of hinge assemblies are described. In an example, a hinge assembly includes a first hinge element having a first shaft, a second hinge element having a second shaft, and a clip coupling the first shaft to the second shaft. The clip includes a first portion formed of c a composite material and a second portion formed of a metal.