Gear-Coupled Rotating Mechanism for 360° Casing Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional rotating mechanisms in electronic devices, such as notebooks, are limited in the adjustable angle of their casings due to design constraints, often resulting in an inconvenient height difference when fully opened, restricting user flexibility.

Innovation Solution

A rotating mechanism utilizing first and second gears coupled to the casings, allowing the first casing to rotate relative to the second casing by any angle from zero to 360 degrees, facilitated by meshing gears with securing covers and optional damping oil for friction control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a rotating shaft is used to couple the first casing and second casing, then the structure is simple, but the rotation angle is limited and cannot be adjusted to any angle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotation angle adjustment rangeVSAvoidrotating mechanism structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional rotating shaft mechanical system with a gear-based mechanical system. The first gear coupled to the first casing and the second gear coupled to the second casing enable continuous rotation angle adjustment from 0 to 360 degrees, overcoming the limited angle constraint of the rotating shaft while maintaining mechanical simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the rotational parameter from fixed-angle increments (conventional rotating shaft) to continuous angle adjustment. The gear mechanism allows the first casing to rotate relative to the second casing by any angle within the full 0-360 degree range, fundamentally changing the angular parameter control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the first casing rotates 180 degrees relative to the second casing, then the device can be opened, but a height difference is formed between the first casing and the supporting plane

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidheight difference

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic angle adjustment capability through the gear mechanism, allowing the first casing to be positioned at any rotation angle rather than being fixed at specific positions. This enables the user to adjust the rotation angle to minimize height difference and achieve a more level configuration when the device is opened.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fixed 180-degree rotation parameter to a variable rotation angle parameter. The gear system enables continuous adjustment of the rotation angle, allowing optimization of the height parameter by selecting appropriate rotation angles that reduce the height difference between the first casing and the supporting plane.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If a rotating shaft is used, then the manufacturing is simple, but the angle adjustment is restricted to specific positions only

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveangle adjustment flexibilityVSAvoidrotating mechanism fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the rotating shaft system with a gear system consisting of a first gear and a second gear. This substitution maintains manufacturing simplicity while achieving superior angle adjustment flexibility, allowing continuous rotation from 0 to 360 degrees rather than being restricted to specific discrete positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 the first casing to be positioned at any desired angle, eliminating the height difference issue and enhancing user convenience by allowing full range of motion from zero to 360 degrees.

Implementation Method 1

The second gear is engaged with first gear to rotate the first casing relatively to the second casing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGear meshing: Gear

Implementation Method 2

facilitated by meshing gears with securing covers and optional damping oil for friction control

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS20080284295A1Rotating mechanism and electronic device using the same

Publication Date: 2008.11.20 ASUSTEK COMPUTER INC

AI summary

A rotating mechanism and an electronic device using the same are provided. The rotating mechanism is disposed at the electronic device. The electronic device includes a first casing and a second casing. The rotating mechanism includes a first gear and a second gear. The first gear is coupled to the first casing. The second gear is coupled to the second casing. The second gear is engaged with the first gear, and then the first casing is capable of rotating relatively to the second casing.