Automated Hinge Disposition Using Performance Metrics

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Solution Overview

Problem

The recycling and reuse of components in portable information handling systems are challenging due to their compact design, which makes disassembly difficult, and the varying usage models that affect component lifespan and reliability.

Innovation Solution

A modular component architecture is introduced that allows for automated assembly and disassembly of information handling systems, enabling efficient tracking of component useful life and automated refurbishment and recycling processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If compact design is used for portable information handling systems, then portability and space efficiency are improved, but disassembly difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem sizeVSAvoiddisassembly ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into modular components (display assembly, keyboard assembly, battery, main board) that can be independently removed and replaced. The display assembly is segmented from the main body through a hinge mechanism, allowing separate access to different components without complete disassembly of the entire system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If automated assembly and disassembly is implemented, then productivity and recycling efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverecycling efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge mechanism provides dynamic movement between fixed positions (closed, open, intermediate), enabling automated systems to access and manipulate components through controlled motion. The hinge allows the display assembly to be positioned at various angles during automated disassembly operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of repair

If modular component architecture is used, then ease of refurbishment and component reuse are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefurbishment easeVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge mechanism serves multiple functions: it connects the display assembly to the main body, enables automated access through controlled movement, and provides structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, simplifying overall manufacturing despite the modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12282407B2Information handling system hinge disposition automated using performance metrics

Publication Date: 2025.04.22 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

End users subscribe to use information handling systems having a selected of available performance characteristics defined by a component configuration selected to build the information handling systems in a portable housing having housing portions rotationally coupled by one or more hinges. A manufacturer meets subscriptions with information handling systems built from an inventory of new hinges, deployed hinges of information handling systems in use by subscribers, and separated hinges taken from returned information handling systems and re-used. End user subscriptions are met in part by building replacement information handling systems with separated hinges having a useful life remaining that aligns with end user hinge usage patterns tracked over time, benchmarked performance metrics and end user subscription performance characteristics.