Hinge Connecting Member for Laptop Heat Dissipation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable electronic devices, such as laptops, face heat dissipation issues due to compact designs, and existing solutions like foldable legs require additional manufacturing costs and space, lack adjustability, and cause operational disruptions.

Innovation Solution

A hinge system comprising a fixing frame, rotating frame, support, and connecting member that allows the electronic device to be elevated, creating a gap for air flow and heat dissipation without requiring remolding or additional space, with a connecting member that moves between extended and retracted positions for smooth operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a foldable leg is fitted under the base to elevate the device for heat dissipation, then heat dissipation is improved, but manufacturing cost increases due to requiring a new mold for the base

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat dissipationVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge assembly is merged with the base structure, where the fixing frame is directly formed on the base surface. This integration eliminates the need for separate leg components and new molds, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining the elevation function for heat dissipation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge assembly serves multiple functions: it provides elevation for heat dissipation, enables adjustable viewing angles, and offers structural support. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate cooling pads or adjustable stands, reducing overall device complexity and manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Temperature

If a longer leg is used to elevate the base higher, then heat dissipation is improved, but the space required for the leg increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat dissipationVSAvoidspace required
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting member is nested within the hinge assembly, extending only when needed for elevation. When retracted, it occupies minimal space within the hinge structure. This nested configuration provides the necessary elevation for heat dissipation without requiring excessive storage space in the closed state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting member transitions between extended and retracted positions dynamically. When extended, it provides the elevation needed for heat dissipation; when retracted, it minimizes space occupation. This dynamic behavior allows the system to achieve high elevation when needed while maintaining a compact form factor when closed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If a fixed leg structure is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but adjustability for various elevated angles is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidadjustability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge assembly incorporates a rotating frame that can pivot relative to the fixing frame, enabling continuous adjustment of the elevation angle. This dynamic mechanism maintains manufacturing simplicity while providing versatile adjustability for different viewing angles and heat dissipation requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge assembly is segmented into multiple movable components (fixing frame, rotating frame, connecting member) that work together to provide adjustability. This segmentation allows for angular adjustment while keeping each individual component relatively simple to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Speed

If a rapid elevation mechanism is used, then responsiveness is improved, but operational smoothness deteriorates due to abrupt pauses or jumps

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveresponsivenessVSAvoidoperational smoothness
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting member provides continuous support during the elevation process, ensuring smooth and continuous motion without abrupt pauses or jumps. The gradual extension of the connecting member maintains operational smoothness while achieving rapid overall responsiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS8250708B2Hinge
Publication Date: 2012.08.28 LEOHAB ENTERPRISE
  • US8250708B2 patent drawing
  • US8250708B2 patent drawing
  • US8250708B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A hinge includes a fixing frame, a rotating frame, a support, and a connecting member. The rotating frame is pivotally joined to the fixing frame. The support includes a first connecting portion for joining to the base and a second connecting portion. The connecting member is mounted between the rotating frame and the support. Furthermore, the connecting member is operably moved between an extended position and a retracted position in response to two opposite pivoting directions of the rotating frame with respect to the fixing frame. In addition, the support moves away from the rotating frame in response to the connection member moving from the retracted position to the extended position thereof.