Dual-Shaft Hinge Synchronization for Narrow-Bezel Notebook Displays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing notebook computer rotation shaft structures with dual-axis synchronous rotation result in a low screen-to-body ratio, leading to poor user experience and require additional components like rubber pads to prevent damage, increasing volume and manufacturing costs.

Innovation Solution

A rotation shaft assembly with first and second rotation shafts connected to bodies via a synchronization mechanism and control mechanism, including followers and a lock member, allowing independent or synchronous rotation based on the flipping state of the bodies, eliminating the need for additional pads and enhancing the screen-to-body ratio.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a dual-axis synchronous rotation shaft structure is adopted, then the rotation shaft can be lowered to prevent hitting the desktop, but the screen rises making the visual frame wider and reducing the screen-to-body ratio

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of rotation shaft damageVSAvoidscreen-to-body ratio

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the rotation shaft structure adjustable rather than fixed. The first and second rotation shafts can independently rotate or rotate synchronously based on the flipping state of the display end, allowing the system to adapt its configuration dynamically. This enables the rotation shaft to be lowered when needed while maintaining a compact screen-to-body ratio through independent rotation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a rubber pad is added on the rotation shaft to prevent damage, then the rotation shaft is protected from hitting the desktop, but the overall volume of the rotation shaft increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of rotation shaftVSAvoidvolume of rotation shaft

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the protective function from the traditional rubber pad approach and integrates it into the rotation shaft structure itself. The first and second rotation shafts are designed with independent rotation capability and synchronous rotation through the synchronization mechanism, allowing the structure to naturally prevent damage by controlling the lowering motion, thereby eliminating the need for additional protective pads and reducing overall volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the protection function with the rotation control function into a unified mechanism. The synchronization mechanism and control mechanism are integrated with the rotation shafts, combining the functions of motion control and damage prevention into a single compact system, eliminating the need for separate protective components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If a rubber pad is added on the rotation shaft to prevent damage, then the rotation shaft is protected, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of rotation shaftVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the protective function from external components and integrates it into the rotation shaft design itself. By using the first and second rotation shafts with independent and synchronous rotation capabilities, the system provides inherent protection against damage, eliminating the need for additional rubber pads and reducing manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Reliability

If additional components like rubber pads are added to the rotation shaft, then protection is provided, but the overall appearance of the notebook computer deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of rotation shaftVSAvoidappearance of notebook computer

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the protective function with the existing rotation shaft structure, eliminating the need for additional external components like rubber pads. The first and second rotation shafts with their integrated control mechanisms provide both functional protection and maintain a clean, aesthetic appearance by avoiding extra parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12197257B2Rotation shaft assembly and electronic device

Publication Date: 2025.01.14 LENOVO (BEIJING) LTD

AI summary

A rotation shaft assembly includes first and second rotation shafts configured to be connected to first and second bodies, respectively, a synchronization mechanism disposed between and transmissively connected to the first and second rotation shafts, and a control mechanism including first and second followers sleeved at the first and second rotation shaft, respectively, and a lock member disposed between the first and second rotation shafts. In a first state of the first and second bodies flipping relative to each other, the lock member interacts with the first or second follower to fix the first or second rotation shaft. In a second state of the first and second bodies flipping relative to each other, action of the lock member on the first and second followers is released, and the first and second rotation shafts rotate synchronously through the synchronization mechanism.