Hinge Support Member for Thin Electronic Housing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic apparatuses with hinges face challenges in minimizing thickness and maximizing strength, particularly due to the need for screwing mechanisms that increase housing thickness and potential cable pinching issues when attaching supporting metal members.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a supporting metal member attached to the hinge, which is fixed to the housing using a combination of a wall and a protruding supporting portion, eliminating the need for screws and allowing for a thinner design by being supported from both sides, thereby reducing thickness and preventing cable pinching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a screwing mechanism is used to attach the supporting metal member to the housing, then the attachment strength is improved, but the housing thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-sided screwing attachment (requiring thickness in one dimension) to a dual-sided support structure where the supporting metal member is attached to both the housing and the hinge from opposite sides. This dimensional change allows the member to be secured without increasing housing thickness, as the attachment is distributed across two surfaces rather than requiring deep penetration in one direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism is segmented into two separate attachment points: one on the housing and another on the hinge. This segmentation allows the supporting metal member to be secured through multiple smaller attachment forces rather than requiring a single thick screwing mechanism, thereby maintaining thin housing profile while achieving sufficient attachment strength.
2Strength
If the supporting metal member is positioned to support the hinge, then the hinge strength is improved, but cables may be pinched between the member and housing
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting metal member is segmented into distinct functional zones: a first portion that contacts the hinge for structural support, and a second portion that contacts the housing for positioning. This segmentation creates natural spacing zones that prevent cable pinching while maintaining hinge strength, as cables can pass through the gap between the two portions without being compressed.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the supporting metal member have different local qualities and functions: the first portion is configured for hinge contact and support, while the second portion is configured for housing contact and positioning. This local differentiation ensures that the hinge-strengthening function is achieved without creating harmful cable pinching, as each portion is optimized for its specific role.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a hinge, a member attached to the hinge, and a housing. The housing accommodates the member and includes a wall configured to support the member and a portion configured to support the member from a side opposite to the wall.