Hinge Arm Cover Structure for Narrower, Stronger Display Arms

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hinge arm covers in devices lack structural integrity, leading to inadequate support and increased visual prominence, while also failing to provide a seamless and aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Innovation Solution

A removably secured arm cover that contributes structurally to the hinge arm, enhancing its strength-to-mass ratio and allowing for a narrower design, while maintaining a seamless appearance and providing counter-balancing torque for weightlessness during adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a traditional hinge arm design is used, then the arm provides sufficient structural support, but the arm assembly becomes visually prominent and occupies more space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural supportVSAvoidvisual prominence

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge arm is divided into two functional segments: a core arm structure and a separate arm cover. The arm cover is removably secured to the core arm, allowing the arm to be narrower while the cover provides the necessary structural support and aesthetic appearance. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by separating the structural function from the visual function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The arm cover is designed to fit over the core arm in a nested configuration. The cover engages with the core arm through cover engaging regions, creating a compact assembly where the narrower core arm is enclosed by the structurally sufficient cover. This nesting allows the arm assembly to have a smaller footprint while maintaining required strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Area of stationary object

If the arm assembly is made narrower, then the visual impact is minimized, but the structural integrity becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearm widthVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge arm is divided into two functional segments: a core arm structure and a separate arm cover. The arm cover is removably secured to the core arm, allowing the arm to be narrower while the cover provides the necessary structural support and aesthetic appearance. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by separating the structural function from the visual function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The arm assembly combines the core arm and arm cover into a composite structure. The cover engaging regions create a mechanical connection that allows the two components to function together as a unified structural element, providing the structural integrity of a wider arm while maintaining a narrower overall profile.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Strength

If the arm cover is permanently attached, then structural integrity is maximized, but ease of repair and maintenance is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidcover removal

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between the arm cover and core arm is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The cover engaging regions allow the cover to be removably secured, enabling the assembly to transition between a permanently attached state (for structural integrity) and a disassembled state (for repair and maintenance).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge arm is divided into two functional segments: a core arm structure and a separate arm cover. The arm cover is removably secured to the core arm, allowing the arm to be narrower while the cover provides the necessary structural support and aesthetic appearance. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by separating the structural function from the visual function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10999944B2Structural device cover

Publication Date: 2021.05.04 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

The description relates to devices that can include a hollow arm that has an open side and a cover engaging region around the open side. The cover engaging region defines a first width at the open side, a second width farther from the open side, and a third width that is farther from the open side than the first width and the second width. The device can also include an arm cover that includes an arm engaging region. The arm engaging region can define a fourth width at the open side, a fifth width farther from the open side, and a sixth width that is farther from the open side than the fourth width and the fifth width. The sixth width can be greater than the fifth width and the second width and less than the first width and the fourth width.