Docking Station Hinge Module With 270-Degree Rotation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic devices with hinge structures are limited by a maximum rotation angle of about 180 degrees, restricting their applications and operational capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A docking station with a hinge module allowing the electronic apparatus to rotate more than 270 degrees, featuring a groove between the holding element and the docking body, and incorporating a gravity sensing device or sensing device to prevent erroneous triggers when used as a base, along with a wireless transceiver module for enhanced functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a hinge structure is applied to enable folding, then portability is improved, but the rotation angle is limited to about 180 degrees which restricts application versatility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication versatilityVSAvoidhinge structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The docking station is divided into functionally independent modules: a docking body for connectivity, a hinge module with holding element for mechanical support, and a gravity sensing device for orientation detection. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently, enabling the hinge mechanism to achieve over 270 degrees rotation without compromising the stability provided by the docking body.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The gravity sensing device acts as an intermediary between the physical orientation of the electronic apparatus and the operational state of the operation interface. It detects the orientation and triggers appropriate responses (such as shutting off the operation interface when disposed upside down), enabling the system to adapt to various rotation angles beyond the conventional 180 degrees while preventing erroneous operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the electronic apparatus is used as a base with large rotation angle, then operational stability is improved, but erroneous triggers may occur on the operation interface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational stabilityVSAvoiderroneous triggers

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The gravity sensing device provides continuous feedback about the orientation of the electronic apparatus. When the apparatus is disposed upside down or at orientations where the operation interface might be erroneously triggered, the sensing device detects this state and triggers a shut-off signal to disable the operation interface, thereby preventing erroneous inputs while maintaining operational stability in correct orientations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system takes preliminary anti-action by proactively shutting off the operation interface before erroneous triggers can occur. The gravity sensing device continuously monitors orientation and preemptively disables the operation interface when detecting orientations that would lead to accidental key presses or touch inputs, thus preventing the harmful effect before it manifests.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the holding element is made rotatable for more than 270 degrees, then application versatility is improved, but the risk of erroneous triggers increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotation capabilityVSAvoiderroneous triggers

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The gravity sensing device serves as an intermediary that mediates between the increased rotation capability and the risk of erroneous triggers. It allows the holding element to rotate freely for over 270 degrees to achieve versatility, while simultaneously monitoring the orientation and triggering appropriate responses (such as shutting off the operation interface) to prevent erroneous inputs in inappropriate orientations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables more versatile applications, improved operational stability, and additional space for use by allowing the electronic apparatus to be used as a base while maintaining electrical connectivity and preventing accidental triggers.

Implementation Method 1

a gravity sensing device disposed to the docking body. When the docking body is turned over, the gravity sensing device is triggered to output a shut-off signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity sensing: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP2607984B1Docking station

Publication Date: 2016.06.01 PEGATRON

Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 1D

AI summary

A docking station is used to hold an electronic apparatus and includes a docking body and a hinge module. The docking body includes an operation interface and a hinge portion. The hinge module includes a hinge element and a holding element. The hinge element is pivotally connected to the hinge portion and connected to the holding element. The holding element and the docking body form a groove. The holding element for holding the electronic apparatus is rotatable relative to the docking body for more than 270 degrees through the rotation space provided by the groove until being stopped by the docking body.