Hinge Mechanism with Rotating Exterior Legs for Multi-Position Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices with hinge mechanisms lack the ability to transition seamlessly from a closed position to an opened position and then to an inverted position, where the second casing can function as a leg, limiting their versatility and usability in different orientations.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device incorporates a hinge mechanism that allows the second casing to pivot 360 degrees, enabling it to switch from a closed position to an opened position and further to an inverted position, where exterior components can rotate to project as legs from either the back or top surface of the first casing, facilitating various usage scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional hinge mechanism is used, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot switch between multiple positions (closed, opened, inverted) and lacks leg functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: it enables the device to switch between closed position, opened position, and inverted position, and also supports the exterior component to function as a leg in different orientations. This multi-functional design resolves the contradiction by making a single mechanism serve multiple purposes rather than requiring separate mechanisms for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism incorporates dynamic elements including a rotatable exterior component that can change its projection direction based on the device position. The exterior component rotates to project from the back surface in opened position and from the top surface in inverted position, providing adaptive leg functionality that maintains stability across different device orientations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the exterior component is fixed, then the manufacturing is simple, but the component cannot rotate to function as a leg in different positions
Solution Approach 1:
The exterior component is designed with rotational capability around a rotation axis that is orthogonal to the hinge axis. This dynamic structure allows the exterior component to automatically reorient and project from different surfaces (back surface in opened position, top surface in inverted position) based on the device's current orientation, enabling leg functionality in multiple positions without requiring separate components for each orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The exterior component is integrated with the hinge mechanism as a unified structure, where the exterior component rotates in coordination with the hinge mechanism's movement. This merging of functions allows the exterior component to serve both as a structural element of the hinge assembly and as a functional leg, reducing the need for separate components while maintaining versatility.
3Reliability
If the device is used in inverted position without leg support, then the structure is simple, but the operation section contacts the surface causing instability
Solution Approach 1:
The exterior component's rotational design enables it to dynamically adapt to different device positions. When the device is in inverted position, the exterior component rotates to project from the top surface, providing leg support that prevents the operation section from contacting the surface. This dynamic adaptation ensures stability in inverted position without requiring additional support structures.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device 100 includes: a hinge mechanism 120 configured to rotate, on a portion in which a first casing 101 is connected to a second casing 102, the second casing 102 to allow the electronic device 100 to switch from a closed position through an opened position to an inverted position; and exterior components 123 and 124 each configured to rotate with the second casing 102 when switching between the opened position and the inverted position is performed, and to switch between a state where the exterior component projects from the back surface of the first casing 101 to be a leg for the electronic device 100 in the opened position, and a state where the exterior component projects from the top surface of the first casing 101 to be a leg for the electronic device 100 in the inverted position.