Hinge Securing Portion for Anti-Theft in Thin Electronic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional anti-theft devices for portable computers, like the Kensington lock, face challenges in thinning and size reduction due to the placement of the security slot at the center of the device's side surface, which limits further thickness reduction and size minimization.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device incorporates a securing portion positioned astride the display unit and main body unit, with an anti-theft wire secured to this portion, allowing for a thinner design by integrating the hinge mechanism and metal fitting, and placing the securing portion at the maximum thickness dimension to minimize thickness increase.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the security slot is provided at the center portion of the side surface of the main body unit, then the anti-theft device can effectively lock the device, but the main body unit cannot be thinned further due to the height of the security slot
Solution Approach 1:
The securing portion is repositioned from the conventional center of the side surface to the hinge portion located at the corner of the main body unit. This spatial relocation in a different dimension (corner position vs. center position) allows the security slot to be integrated into the hinge structure, thereby eliminating the need for additional thickness that would be required if the security slot were placed at the center of the side surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The security slot and hinge mechanism are merged into a single integrated structure. The securing portion is provided at the hinge portion, combining the functions of the hinge (connecting display unit and main body unit) and the security slot (receiving the T-shaped shaft of the anti-theft wire). This merging eliminates the need for separate components and reduces overall thickness.
2Reliability
If the security slot is provided at the center portion of the side surface, then the locking wire can be secured, but the device size cannot be reduced further
Solution Approach 1:
The security slot is merged with the hinge portion, combining two functional elements into one. This integration reduces the overall volume of the main body unit by eliminating redundant structures and optimizing space utilization at the corner hinge area.
Solution Approach 2:
The security slot is relocated from the conventional center of the side surface to the hinge portion at the corner of the main body unit. This positional change in a different spatial dimension allows for more efficient use of available space and contributes to overall size reduction.
3Length of stationary object
If the securing portion is positioned at the hinge portion, then further thinning is enabled, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
While merging the hinge and security slot into one structure reduces thickness, it does increase structural complexity. The hinge portion must now serve dual functions: connecting the display unit to the main body unit and providing a secure mounting point for the anti-theft wire. This requires precise engineering of the hinge structure to accommodate both functions.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an electronic device includes a main body unit, a display unit rotatable between a first position where the display unit covers the main body unit and a second position where the display unit stands up with respect to the main body unit, and a securing portion provided at a position astride the display unit and the main body unit, to which an anti-theft wire is secured.