Hinge Receding Space for Electronic Device Trace Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

In electronic devices with hinge structures, insufficient trace space can hinder the relative pivoting between host and display or between two displays due to improper design, affecting electrical connections.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device incorporates a hinge structure with a receding space in the second linking assembly, allowing the electrical connection element to pass through and be accommodated, providing a greater trace space by eliminating the need for rotating shafts or sliding rods within this space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the hinge structure is improperly designed, then the relative pivoting between host and display may be affected, but trace space is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrace spaceVSAvoidrelative pivoting
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a receding space in the second linking assembly that extends in a direction perpendicular to the main hinge axis, creating additional dimensional space for routing electrical traces. This allows the trace to pass through the hinge structure without interfering with the pivoting motion, resolving the contradiction between sufficient trace space and smooth relative pivoting operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The receding space acts as an intermediary region that separates the electrical connection element from the main pivoting mechanism. By providing a dedicated space for the trace to pass through, it mediates between the need for electrical connectivity and the mechanical pivoting function, allowing both to coexist without interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If rotating shafts or sliding rods are used in the hinge structure, then the pivoting function is achieved, but the trace space is reduced and interference occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepivoting functionVSAvoidtrace space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the electrical connection element from the traditional path through the rotating shafts or sliding rods, and instead routes it through the receding space in the second linking assembly. This separation removes the interference between the mechanical pivoting components and the electrical trace, allowing both functions to operate independently without compromising trace space or pivoting performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge structure is segmented into distinct functional zones: the main linking assemblies handle pivoting motion, while the receding space in the second linking assembly is dedicated to electrical connection routing. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without interfering with others, maximizing both pivoting capability and trace space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10342148B2Electronic device
Publication Date: 2019.07.02 COMPAL ELECTRONICS INC
  • US10342148B2 patent drawing
  • US10342148B2 patent drawing
  • US10342148B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An electronic device includes a first body, a second body, an electrical connection element, and a hinge structure. The electrical connection element is configured to electrically connect the first body with the second body. The hinge structure is configured to pivot the first body with the second body. The hinge structure includes two mounting bases, two first linking assemblies, and a second linking assembly. Each of the mounting bases is connected to the first body and the second body. The two first linking assemblies are respectively pivoted to the two mounting bases. The second linking assembly is disposed between the two mounting bases, and two opposite terminals of the second linking assembly are movably connected to the two mounting bases respectively. The second linking assembly has a receding space configured to accommodate a portion of the electrical connection element.