Cylindrical Dual Axis Hinge Integrating Power Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic devices lack design differentiation and the ability to support electrical power storage in their hinge mechanisms, leading to undifferentiated appearances and limited functionality.

Innovation Solution

A cylindrical dual axis hinge that provides 360-degree rotation and integrates a cylindrical electrical power storage receptacle, allowing for additional power storage while maintaining a compact design and various usage modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional hinge mechanisms are used, then the device structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the device lacks design differentiation and cannot support electrical power storage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower storage capabilityVSAvoidhinge mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the hinge mechanism and power storage receptacle into a single integrated cylindrical structure. The hinge assembly includes a cylindrical housing that simultaneously provides mechanical rotation functionality and contains a receptacle for electrical power storage elements, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall device complexity while adding power storage capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cylindrical hinge assembly serves multiple functions: it provides the mechanical hinge function for rotating the lid, contains the power storage receptacle for electrical power elements, and offers design differentiation through its unique cylindrical appearance. This multi-functional design resolves the contradiction by adding versatility without proportionally increasing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Quantity of substance

If additional power storage is integrated into the hinge, then power storage capability increases, but the device profile dimensions may increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower storage capacityVSAvoiddevice profile dimensions

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The power storage receptacle is nested within the cylindrical hinge assembly, with electrical power storage elements positioned inside the hinge structure. This nesting arrangement allows the power storage capacity to increase while the external dimensions of the hinge remain compact, as the power elements are contained within the existing cylindrical volume rather than adding external bulk

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from conventional flat hinge designs to a cylindrical three-dimensional structure. This dimensional change allows efficient packing of power storage elements within the hinge volume, maximizing power storage capacity without increasing the overall profile dimensions of the device, as the cylindrical form factor optimizes space utilization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If standard hinge mechanisms are used, then manufacturing is straightforward, but design differentiation is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign differentiationVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge assembly employs a cylindrical curved geometry instead of conventional flat or angular hinge designs. This curvature provides distinctive aesthetic appeal and design differentiation while the cylindrical form remains amenable to standard manufacturing processes such as CNC machining or injection molding, balancing uniqueness with manufacturability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The cylindrical hinge assembly features an asymmetric design where the power storage receptacle and electrical components are positioned off-center within the cylindrical structure. This asymmetric arrangement creates a unique visual identity and functional layout that differentiates the device from conventional symmetric hinge designs, while still allowing for efficient manufacturing through modular component assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentEP3314352B1Cylindrical dual axis hinge for electronic devices

Publication Date: 2022.04.06 INTEL CORP

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AI summary

A cylindrical dual axis hinge for electronic devices is disclosed. A particular embodiment includes: a primary hinge having a primary pivot with a first axis of rotation, the primary hinge including a primary hinge bracket attachable to a portion of the electronic device; a cylindrical hinge subassembly including a secondary cylindrical hinge rotating portion and a secondary cylindrical hinge fixed portion, the cylindrical hinge subassembly including a secondary pivot with a second axis of rotation different from the first axis of rotation and enabling rotation of the secondary cylindrical hinge rotating portion around the secondary pivot, the cylindrical hinge subassembly being attachable to a portion of the electronic device; and a cylindrical electrical power storage receptacle configured to retain a plurality of electrical power storage elements, the electrical power storage elements being in electrical contact with the electronic device, the cylindrical electrical power storage receptacle being removably attachable to the electronic device.