Fastenerless Hinge Assembly for Thin Low-Cost Computing Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hinge systems in computing devices contribute to increased height and cost due to the use of screw bosses, brackets, and screws, which hinder the development of thinner and lighter computing systems.
Innovation Solution
A fastenerless hinge system is introduced, featuring a hinge wing and hinge bracket with spring tabs that provide insertion and extraction forces, reducing the device's 'Z' height by eliminating the need for conventional fasteners, and incorporating a friction dampening component for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If conventional hinge systems with screw bosses, brackets, and screws are used, then the hinge system provides secure attachment, but the device height increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge wing and hinge bracket are merged into a single integrated component that functions as both the attachment structure and the fastening mechanism. The hinge bracket includes integrated spring tabs that act as both structural elements and fastening elements, eliminating the need for separate screws and fasteners. This merging reduces the number of parts and simplifies manufacturing while maintaining secure attachment functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The conventional fastening elements (screws, screw bosses, separate brackets) are extracted and replaced with an integrated spring tab mechanism. The spring tabs are directly formed as part of the hinge bracket structure, taking out the need for separate fastening components and reducing overall device height by eliminating the height contribution of traditional fastener assemblies.
2Reliability
If conventional fasteners are used to attach hinge components, then secure assembly is achieved, but device height and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge bracket integrates multiple functions into a single component: structural support, attachment mechanism, and fastening function. The spring tabs are directly formed as part of the hinge bracket, combining the bracket and fastener into one piece. This reduces the number of assembly parts from multiple separate components (bracket, screws, washers, etc.) to a single integrated hinge bracket assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring tabs provide self-contained fastening functionality through their elastic deformation characteristics. When the hinge wing is inserted, the spring tabs automatically deform and lock into place, providing secure attachment without requiring separate fastening operations or additional parts. The hinge assembly is self-sufficient, with the bracket serving its own fastening needs through the integrated spring tab mechanism.
3Length of stationary object
If spring tabs are used for fastenerless attachment, then device height is reduced and manufacturing cost is lowered, but insertion and extraction forces are required
Solution Approach 1:
The spring tabs are designed with specific geometric parameters (thickness, length, curvature radius) that determine their elastic properties and force characteristics. By optimizing these parameters, the spring tabs provide sufficient insertion force to secure the hinge wing while requiring manageable extraction forces for disassembly. The force requirements are controlled through parameter optimization rather than additional mechanical complexity.
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 solution effectively reduces the computing device's height to between 1.8 mm and 2.8 mm, lowering costs while maintaining hinge functionality and ensuring secure assembly and disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
spring tabs that provide insertion and extraction forces
Implementation Method 2
incorporating a friction dampening component for stability
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A~5B
AI summary
The present disclosure includes a fastenerless hinge system which enables a thin form factor low cost design. A hinge system described herein may include a hinge bracket and a hinge wing. The hinge bracket includes an elevated portion thereby providing a hollow region and one or more spring tabs. The hinge wing is slidably coupled to the hinge bracket through the hollow portion. Advantageously, a hinge system consistent with the present disclosure does not include fasteners such that the "Z" height of the computing device may be minimized in addition to reducing costs.