Hinge Module Tilt Adjustment for Tablet Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tablet computers experience instability when used with docking stations due to the weight distribution of the center of gravity, and existing solutions either compromise on weight or limit the adjustability of the tilt angle, causing discomfort when the foot stand is placed on the user's thigh.
Innovation Solution
A hinge module with a first, second, and third motion component, and a linking member, where the second motion component can rotate relative to the first, driving the third motion component to adjust the tilt angle freely between two defined angles, allowing independent adjustment of the electronic device's tilt without being limited by the foot stand's design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the weight of the docking station is increased to solve the instability problem caused by center of gravity position, then the stability is improved, but the advantage of light weight is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the counterweight principle by designing a foot stand structure that extends backward from the docking station to provide a balancing counterweight. This foot stand creates a triangular support structure that shifts the center of gravity backward, counterbalancing the forward weight of the tablet PC and improving overall stability without adding excessive weight to the docking station body.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the support structure from a traditional horizontal footprint to a three-dimensional triangular configuration by adding the foot stand that extends backward. This dimensional change creates a larger base of support in multiple directions, improving stability without requiring increased weight in the original planar dimension.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a supporting structure is designed to solve the instability problem, then the stability is improved, but the tilt angle adjustment freedom is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a hinge mechanism that enables dynamic adjustment of the foot stand's tilt angle. The hinge allows the foot stand to rotate relative to the docking station body, transitioning from a fixed static structure to a dynamic adjustable one. This provides users with freedom to adjust the tilt angle according to different usage scenarios while maintaining the stabilizing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting structure is segmented into multiple independent components: the docking station body, the hinge joint, and the foot stand. This segmentation allows the foot stand to be independently adjusted relative to the body, enabling tilt angle variation without affecting the overall structural integrity or stability function.
3Ease of manufacture
If a foot stand is designed with limited supporting area, then the structure is simple, but discomfort is caused when placed on the user's thigh
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the foot stand backward in the third dimension, creating a larger triangular support area that spreads the contact pressure over a greater surface. This dimensional extension increases the supporting area without complicating the basic structural design, reducing pressure concentration and user discomfort.
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 hinge module allows for free adjustment of the tilt angle of an electronic device, preventing discomfort when the foot stand is placed on the user's thigh and providing a larger supporting area for the foot stand, enhancing stability and usability.
Implementation Method 1
When the second motion component is rotated relative to the first motion component from a first operation state to a second operation state, the second motion component props against the linking member by the pushing portion to drive the third motion component to be synchronously rotated relative to the first motion component by the linking member
Implementation Method 2
the second motion component props against the linking member by the pushing portion to drive the third motion component
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge module includes a first motion component, a second motion component, a third motion component, an axle module and a linking member. The second motion component has a pushing portion. The axle module includes a first axle and a second axle. The linking member is pivoted to the first motion component by the first axle, the second motion component and the linking member are pivoted to the third motion component by the second axle. When the second motion component is rotated from a first operation state to a second operation state, the second motion component props against the linking member by the pushing portion, such that the third motion component is driven to rotate by the linking member. When the second motion component continues rotating from the second operation state, the pushing portion is separated from the linking member.