Hinge Structure for Dual-Screen Devices

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing notebook computers with dual screens face challenges in operational convenience and versatility due to complex linkage structures in their hinge mechanisms, which occupy configuration space and complicate assembly and actuation accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A hinge structure featuring a connecting assembly with guide portions and rotating assemblies, where the translation member slides along inclined sliding slots to drive the bodies to move relative to each other, eliminating the need for a complicated link mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a linkage structure is disposed in the hinge structure to drive the two bodies to move relatively, then the operational versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases and configuration space is occupied

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational versatilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the rotation and translation functions into a single hinge structure. The rotating assembly rotates relative to the connecting assembly while the translation member simultaneously translates along guide portions, eliminating the need for separate linkage mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining dual-screen operational versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge structure is designed as a multi-functional mechanism that performs both rotation (for folding between laptop and tablet modes) and translation (for adjusting display surface positions). This universal mechanism replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate components, reducing device complexity while achieving operational versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a linkage structure is disposed in the hinge structure to drive the two bodies to move relatively, then the operational versatility is improved, but the configuration space is occupied

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational versatilityVSAvoidconfiguration space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The translation member is nested within the rotating assembly, sliding along guide portions that are integrated into the hinge structure. The sliding member with pillars fits within the overlapping sliding slots of the bracket and translation member, creating a compact nested arrangement that minimizes configuration space while enabling dual-screen operational versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a complicated link mechanism is used, then the operational versatility is improved, but the manufacturing and assembly difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational versatilityVSAvoidmanufacturing and assembly ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge structure is segmented into distinct but simple components: a connecting assembly with guide portions, a rotating assembly with a bracket having sliding slots, and a translation member with guide portions and sliding slots. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard processes, improving ease of manufacture and assembly while achieving operational versatility through their coordinated interaction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If a complicated link mechanism is used, then the operational versatility is improved, but the assembling and actuation accuracy is affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational versatilityVSAvoidassembling and actuation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The guide portions and sliding slots are designed with precise geometric features that guide the translation member's movement automatically during rotation. The overlapping sliding slots and pillars create self-aligning features that ensure accurate positioning without requiring complex external alignment mechanisms, thereby improving assembling and actuation accuracy while maintaining operational versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11619978B2Electronic device and hinge structure

Publication Date: 2023.04.04 COMPAL ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

An electronic device including two bodies and at least one hinge structure including a connecting assembly and two rotating assemblies is provided. Each rotating assembly is rotatably connected to the connecting assembly and includes a bracket having at least one first sliding slot, a translation member translatably arranged on the bracket and having at least one second sliding slot, and a sliding member having at least one pillar penetrating the first second sliding slots at an overlapping position. The first and second sliding slots are inclined to each other and partially overlapped at the overlapping position. The two bodies are respectively connected to the sliding members. When each rotating assembly rotates, the connecting assembly guides the translation member to translate relative to the bracket to displace the overlapping position and drive the pillar to slide along the first and second slots to move the sliding member and the corresponding body.