Portable Computer Display Hinge with Sliding Stabilizer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing portable computers with displays that tilt for user convenience often experience vibration and instability due to torque from touch inputs, and previous solutions either lack protection or have complex, bulky designs that are aesthetically unpleasant and hazardous.

Innovation Solution

A portable computer design featuring a base, display module, and support elements with a sliding assembly that allows the display to rotate and slide to a suitable angle, using a sliding block and slide rail system to stabilize the display and reduce vibration, while maintaining a compact and safe form factor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a support arm is added to support the display, then the display can be tilted to a suitable angle, but the structure becomes complicated and bulky

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay tilting angleVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the support function and the tilting mechanism into a single integrated hinge structure. The hinge assembly includes a support arm and a torsion spring that work together to provide both structural support and automatic angle adjustment, eliminating the need for separate support mechanisms and reducing overall structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The torsion spring in the hinge assembly automatically adjusts the display angle based on the display's weight and position. When the display is installed, the spring automatically tensions and positions the display at the optimal viewing angle without requiring manual adjustment or additional control mechanisms, making the system self-regulating.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If the display is exposed outwardly for operations, then touch operations are convenient, but the display is not well protected and may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetouch operation convenienceVSAvoiddisplay damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The display is mounted on a dynamically adjustable hinge assembly that allows the display to tilt and adjust its position. This dynamic mounting enables the display to be positioned at an optimal angle for touch operations while still being mechanically supported and protected by the hinge structure, rather than being rigidly fixed or completely exposed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If a complicated mechanism with linkage elements is used to move the display, then the viewing angle can be changed, but the design is aesthetically unpleasant and may hurt the user

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviewing angle adjustmentVSAvoidlinkage mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the support arm, hinge, and angle adjustment mechanism into a single integrated hinge assembly. This eliminates the need for separate linkage elements and pivoting mechanisms, resulting in a cleaner design with fewer exposed mechanical parts that could pose safety hazards or aesthetic issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary linkage elements from the design. By using a direct hinge mounting system with a torsion spring, the design removes complicated intermediate linkage mechanisms while still achieving the desired viewing angle adjustment functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 design provides stable and smooth tilting of the display for improved user interaction and protection, eliminating the risk of damage and aesthetic issues associated with previous solutions.

Implementation Method 1

a torsion spring, two ends of which are respectively fixed to the support arm and the housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTorsion spring: Torsion Spring

Implementation Method 2

The sliding assembly comprises a sliding block and a slide rail. The slide rail is disposed at least in the second area of the base; the sliding block is connected with the connecting end of the display module and can slide along the slide rail.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS8908364B2Portable computer
Publication Date: 2014.12.09 WISTRON CORP
  • US8908364B2 patent drawing
  • US8908364B2 patent drawing
  • US8908364B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A portable computer comprises a base, a display module, at least one support element and at least one sliding assembly. The base comprises a first area and a second area. The display module comprises a connect end and a display face. Each support element comprises a first end pivoted on a portion of the display module other than the display face and a second end pivoted on the rear end of the base. Each sliding assembly comprises a slide rail disposed at least in the second area and a sliding block connected with the connect end and moved along the slide rail. Each sliding block includes at least one stable structure for at least decreasing gaps between the slide rail and the sliding block.