Hinge Assembly Rotation Stops for Twist-Limit Notebook Casings

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The fixation strength of stoppers on shafts in twistable notebook computers is weak, leading to potential failure and damage to connecting wires due to excessive turning of the monitor relative to the host.

Innovation Solution

A hinge assembly with a fixed frame, rotatable frame, and cover, featuring positioning structures that limit the rotatable range by cooperating with each other, ensuring the cover is fixed to the casing for enhanced strength and preventing excessive twist.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If stoppers are fixed on the shaft to limit rotation, then the monitor rotation is restricted, but the fixation strength is weak causing stopper failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestopper fixation strengthVSAvoidhinge assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge assembly is divided into multiple functional components: a fixed frame connected to the host, a rotatable frame connected to the monitor, and a cover that limits rotation. The positioning structures are segmented into a first positioning structure on the rotatable frame and a second positioning structure on the fixed frame or cover, allowing independent optimization of each component's function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rotation limiting function is extracted from the shaft and implemented through dedicated positioning structures on the rotatable frame and fixed frame/cover. This separates the rotation limitation function from the rotation support function, allowing the shaft to focus on supporting rotation while the positioning structures provide reliable rotation limits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If the stopper is fixed on the shaft, then rotation limitation is achieved, but the stopper becomes movable after repeated use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotation limitation reliabilityVSAvoidstopper service life

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The first positioning structure on the rotatable frame is pre-configured to engage with the second positioning structure on the fixed frame or cover at specific rotation angles. This preliminary positioning arrangement ensures that rotation limitation is activated before excessive rotation can occur, preventing wire damage and ensuring consistent performance throughout the product lifecycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of fixing the stopper to the rotating shaft, the invention inverts the approach by fixing the stopper (second positioning structure) to the stationary fixed frame or cover, while the first positioning structure on the rotatable frame engages with it. This inversion transfers the stationary load from the shaft to the fixed frame/cover, eliminating stopper migration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If positioning structures are used to limit rotation, then wire damage is prevented, but the hinge assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewire damage preventionVSAvoidhinge assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotation limitation function is merged with the existing hinge assembly components. The first positioning structure on the rotatable frame and the second positioning structure on the fixed frame or cover work together as an integrated system, combining rotation support and rotation limitation functions within a unified hinge assembly structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning structures serve multiple functions: they limit rotation to prevent wire damage, provide mechanical stops for defined rotation angles, and maintain structural integrity throughout the product lifecycle. The cover simultaneously protects internal components and provides a mounting surface for the second positioning structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12468339B2Hinge assembly and casing assembly for electronic device

Publication Date: 2025.11.11 GETAC TECH CORP

AI summary

A hinge assembly includes a fixed frame, a shaft, a rotatable frame and a cover. The shaft is rotatably disposed on the fixed frame. The rotatable frame is fixed to the shaft, and the rotatable frame has a first positioning structure. The cover is at least partially located between the rotatable frame and the fixed frame and sleeved on the shaft. The fixed frame or the cover has at least one second positioning structure, and the first positioning structure and the at least one second positioning structure are cooperated with each other so as to limit a rotatable range of the rotatable frame.