Foldable Electronic Device Hinge Merging Parts for Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional notebook computer hinges are complex, costly, and difficult to assemble, which hinders the reduction of manufacturing costs and affects market competition in the low-cost trend of electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
A simplified foldable electronic device with a folding module that includes foldable connecting portions on a folding member, allowing for easy assembly and integration, and optional support frames for enhanced strength, manufactured via injection molding for cost-effectiveness and structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional notebook computer hinge uses multiple separate parts (fixing base, sleeve, tubular spring sheet, pintle), then the hinge can provide positioning effect and structural stability, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate hinge parts (fixing base, sleeve, tubular spring sheet, pintle) into a single integrated folding member with connecting portions. This merging reduces the number of parts while maintaining the positioning effect through the folded connecting portions that engage with frames to support the bodies.
Solution Approach 2:
The single folding member is segmented into multiple connecting portions that are foldable along folding lines. Each connecting portion can independently engage with frames to provide positioning and support, allowing the structure to maintain reliability while reducing overall complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional hinge uses tightly mounted sleeve in combining hole, then structural stability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase and accumulated tolerances become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the fixing base and sleeve into a single folding member, the patent eliminates the tight fit interface between these two parts. The integrated structure removes the need for high dimensional precision and tolerance control at the joining interface, while structural stability is maintained through the folded connecting portions engaging with frames.
3Strength
If conventional hinge uses multiple separate parts, then structural strength can be distributed, but the ease of manufacture decreases and assembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple parts into a single folding member that can be manufactured as one piece (e.g., through injection molding). This significantly improves ease of manufacture while structural strength is maintained through the folded connecting portions that engage with frames to support the bodies.
Solution Approach 2:
The single folding member is designed with segmented connecting portions that are foldable along folding lines. This segmentation allows the structure to maintain strength through distributed engagement points while keeping the manufacturing process simple and cost-effective.
4Reliability
If conventional hinge uses multiple separate parts, then assembly can provide positioning effect, but assembly difficulty and repair difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple parts into a single folding member, the patent simplifies assembly and repair processes. The integrated structure with foldable connecting portions maintains the positioning effect while reducing assembly steps and making the device easier to repair or replace as a single unit.
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 folding module enables easy assembly, repair, and replacement while maintaining structural strength, reducing manufacturing costs and enhancing market competitiveness through a simplified and cost-effective design.
Implementation Method 1
a portion of the folding member where the folding line defined is thinner than other portion of the folding member, thus flexibility in the folding line is provided
Data Source
AI summary
The invention discloses a foldable electronic device having a folding module pivotally connected to a first body and a second body. The folding module has at least one folding member with a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion defined thereon, wherein the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are foldable along a first folding line defined there between, and the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are connected to the first body and the second body respectively. With such, the structure of the folding module is simplified, the cost is reduced and the folding module is also easy to be assembled and repaired.