Hinge Arm Retention Using State-Transitionable Materials

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices with hinge assemblies face challenges in securing components together in space-constrained environments without using hardware fasteners, which can compromise the appearance and functionality of thinner devices like tablets, notebooks, and smartphones.

Innovation Solution

The use of state-transitionable materials, such as temperature-sensitive adhesives and thermoplastics, that can change between pliable and rigid states to securely attach hinge arms to kickstands or other device components, allowing for seamless integration without mechanical fasteners and enabling easy disassembly for repair.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If hardware fasteners are used to secure hinge arms to device components, then the connection strength and reliability are improved, but the device thickness increases and the appearance is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoiddevice thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical fasteners (screws, clips, or other hardware) with a thermoplastic material that provides mechanical retention through friction and interference fit. The thermoplastic material is inserted into a channel and expands to secure the hinge arm, eliminating the need for visible hardware fasteners while maintaining connection strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes temperature-dependent parameter changes of the thermoplastic material. The material is heated to a temperature where it becomes pliable and can be inserted into the channel, then cooled to room temperature where it solidifies and provides strong mechanical retention. This parameter change allows the same material to serve both as an insert and a fastening mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Length of stationary object

If the device is made thinner to meet market preferences, then the aesthetics and portability are improved, but the space available for securing components without hardware fasteners is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice thicknessVSAvoidcomponent assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a nested structure where the thermoplastic material is inserted into a channel that is itself part of the device housing or kickstand. The hinge arm is then inserted into the channel with the thermoplastic material, creating a nested arrangement that secures components within the limited thickness of the device without requiring additional external fasteners.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of repair

If state-transitionable materials are used to secure components, then the ease of repair and reassembly is improved, but the manufacturing process complexity increases due to temperature control requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent disassemblyVSAvoidmanufacturing process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the self-service property of the thermoplastic material, which automatically transitions from a pliable state to a rigid state based on temperature changes. During assembly, the material is heated (by external heating elements or friction) to become pliable for insertion, then naturally solidifies as it cools, providing secure retention without requiring additional fastening steps or complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

This solution allows for the secure attachment and detachment of device components in space-constrained environments without visible fasteners, maintaining the thin profile of devices while enabling easy repair and reassembly, thus enhancing both functionality and aesthetics.

Implementation Method 1

a state-transitionable material positioned in the feature and physically blocks relative movement of the inwardly facing surface and the outwardly facing surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase transition: Phase Change

Implementation Method 2

temperature-sensitive adhesives and thermoplastics, that can change between pliable and rigid states to securely attach hinge arms to kickstands

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS10520987B2Secured device portions

Publication Date: 2019.12.31 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

The description relates to hinged devices, such as hinged computing devices. One example can include a first portion and a second portion that defines a channel. The example can also include a hinge assembly rotatably coupling the first portion and the second portion, the hinge assembly including a hinge arm that is fitted to the channel and retained in the channel by a state-transitionable material.