Dual-Axis Hinge Assembly for 360° Rotation Without Body Recesses

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hinge structures for dual-body electronic devices, such as notebook computers, often result in a compromised appearance due to the formation of depressions on the bodies where the hinge is located, and they lack the ability to rotate freely at 360 degrees while maintaining a complete aesthetic.

Innovation Solution

A dual-axis hinge assembly that includes a first and second rotating shaft, torque components, rotating shaft sleeve, brackets, and cable sleeves, allowing for 360-degree rotation and forming two cylindrical structures side by side when exposed, thus maintaining a complete appearance of the device bodies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional hinge structure is used to connect two bodies, then the hinge allows relative pivoting between the bodies, but the hinge structure creates a depression on the device bodies resulting in compromised appearance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepivoting capabilityVSAvoidappearance completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge assembly is extracted from the traditional embedded configuration and repositioned to extend outward from the device bodies. The rotating shafts and brackets are positioned such that they protrude from the first and second bodies, eliminating the need for depressions in the device shells. This extraction allows the hinge to function while maintaining the complete, smooth appearance of the device bodies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge assembly transitions from a planar, embedded configuration to a three-dimensional, extended configuration. By positioning the rotating shafts and brackets to extend outward in multiple dimensions, the hinge achieves pivoting functionality without requiring recesses in the device bodies, thus resolving the contradiction between operational capability and aesthetic appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Shape

If a hinge structure is embedded within device bodies, then the appearance is maintained, but the hinge cannot rotate freely at 360 degrees

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveappearance completenessVSAvoidrotation range
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge assembly is extracted from the embedded configuration and repositioned to extend outward from the device bodies. This extraction provides the necessary space for the rotating shafts and brackets to achieve full 360-degree rotation while maintaining the complete appearance of the device bodies, as the hinge components are positioned externally rather than within recesses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge assembly is designed with dynamic positioning capabilities, allowing the rotating shafts and brackets to move freely through a 360-degree range. The first and second brackets are connected to the rotating shafts in a manner that enables continuous rotation, providing adaptability and versatility while the external positioning maintains aesthetic appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the hinge assembly is positioned externally to allow 360-degree rotation, then rotation freedom is achieved, but the device appearance may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotation freedomVSAvoiddevice aesthetics
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge assembly components, including the rotating shafts, brackets, and protective sleeves, are merged into a unified, integrated structure. This merging creates a cohesive design where the external positioning of the hinge does not compromise aesthetics, as the components work together to form a visually coordinated assembly that maintains device appearance while enabling 360-degree rotation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge assembly incorporates curved and cylindrical elements, such as the rotating shafts and protective sleeves, that create a smooth, aesthetically pleasing appearance. The curved design of the external hinge components blends with the device form factor, allowing 360-degree rotation freedom while maintaining or enhancing device aesthetics rather than compromising them.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentUS11079808B2Dual-axis hinge assembly and electronic device
Publication Date: 2021.08.03 COMPAL ELECTRONICS INC
  • US11079808B2 patent drawing
  • US11079808B2 patent drawing
  • US11079808B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A dual-axis hinge assembly including a first rotating shaft, a second rotating shaft, torque components, a rotating shaft sleeve, a first bracket, a second bracket, and two bracket sleeves is provided. The second rotating shaft is disposed side-by-side to the first rotating shaft. The torque components are disposed at the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft. The rotating shaft sleeve covers the first rotating shaft, the second rotating shaft, and the torque components. The first bracket is connected to the first rotating shaft. The second bracket is connected to the second rotating shaft. The two bracket sleeves are respectively coaxial with the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft and respectively cover the first bracket and the second bracket. The two bracket sleeves and the rotating shaft sleeve are sleeved together. The invention further provides a plurality of electronic devices.