Notebook Hinge Module Layout That Shields the Gear Set
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinge modules in notebook computers are prone to damage from external forces due to direct impact on the gear portion, and they are bulky, hindering lightweight and thin design.
Innovation Solution
A hinge module design featuring two spindles, two brackets with a perpendicular installation direction, a gear set, and a torque part positioned between the brackets and gear set, which absorbs impact forces and allows for opposite rotation of the spindles to distribute external forces, reducing stress on the gear set and enabling a lightweight structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the gear portion is positioned neighboring to the bearing portion for compact structure, then the hinge module achieves a more integrated design, but the gear portion becomes vulnerable to direct impact forces causing damage or breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a bearing portion as an intermediary element positioned between the gear portion and the external environment. This bearing portion absorbs and distributes impact forces before they reach the gear portion, protecting it from direct damage while maintaining the integrated compact structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge module incorporates cushioning elements and structural design that anticipate and prepare for potential impact forces. The bearing portion and its connection structure are designed to absorb shocks before they can damage the gear portion, providing beforehand protection against external forces.
2Device complexity
If the hinge module uses a traditional gear portion neighboring the bearing portion, then the structure is compact, but the overall size becomes large which hinders lightweight and thin design of notebook computers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where the gear portion, bearing portion, and torque portion are arranged concentrically or in overlapping configurations. This nesting allows multiple functional elements to occupy the same spatial envelope, reducing the overall volume of the hinge module while maintaining structural compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a planar two-dimensional arrangement of components to a three-dimensional spatial configuration. By utilizing vertical stacking and radial arrangement of gears and bearings, the design packs more functionality into a smaller footprint, reducing the hinge module's overall size.
3Force
If external force directly acts on the gear portion in existing hinge modules, then the force transmission path is short and direct, but this causes easy damage or breakage of the gear portion
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing portion serves as a mediator in the force transmission path, positioned between external impact forces and the gear portion. It distributes and redirects forces through its bearing surfaces, preventing concentrated loads from directly damaging the gear teeth while maintaining efficient torque transmission during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The force transmission path is segmented into multiple stages: external force first acts on the bearing portion, then distributes to the torque portion, and finally reaches the gear portion. This segmentation breaks the direct force path into manageable segments, reducing peak stresses on any single component.
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
The design effectively distributes external forces, preventing damage to the gear set and achieving a lightweight, thin structure by absorbing impact forces through the torque part and reducing stress concentration, thus enhancing durability and design efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Because there is a spacing between the two brackets, vibration with larger amplitude easily occurs and the impact force is transferred outward along the spindles. In this case, the torque part neighboring to the two brackets absorbs most of the impact force
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge module includes the two spindles, the two brackets, a gear set and a torque part. The two spindles are spaced apart from each other. The two brackets are respectively connected to a first side of the two spindles, where an installing direction of each of the brackets is perpendicular to an axial direction of each of the spindles. The gear set is disposed at a second side opposite to the first side of the two spindles. The torque part is disposed on the two spindles and is located between the two brackets and the gear set, where each of the brackets is adapted to rotate relative to the torque part with the corresponding spindle, and the gear set is configured to drive the two spindles rotating in opposite directions.