Impact Resistant Hinge Bumper for Foldable Device Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
As mobile computing devices become smaller and more foldable, reducing clearances and tolerances in hinges can lead to potential damage from elements contacting each other, such as the hinge contacting fragile display portions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of rotating and translating hinges with impact-resistant bumpers, such as grommets, affixed to the device portions near the hinge. These bumpers absorb impact, preventing the hinge from contacting fragile parts and acting as a foot to protect the device when resting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If clearances and tolerances of the hinge are reduced to make the device smaller, then the device size is reduced, but the risk of damage from contact between hinge and fragile portions increases
Solution Approach 1:
A bumper comprising an impact resistant material is positioned between the hinge and the fragile portion to absorb impact forces. The bumper acts as an intermediary element that prevents direct contact between the hinge and fragile portions, thereby protecting the device while allowing reduced clearances and tolerances in the hinge design.
Solution Approach 2:
The bumper is pre-positioned in the hinge assembly to provide cushioning protection before any potential impact occurs. By having the impact resistant material already in place between the hinge and fragile portions, the system is prepared to absorb impact forces that may occur during device operation, enabling safer reduction of hinge clearances.
2Shape
If the hinge is designed with reduced clearances for better aesthetics and compactness, then the device appearance is improved, but the probability of element contact and damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper serves as a protective intermediary that enables the hinge to be designed with reduced clearances for aesthetic purposes while maintaining reliability. The impact resistant material absorbs any contact forces, allowing the hinge elements to be positioned closer together without compromising device protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The introduction of the bumper changes the protective parameter of the hinge assembly, allowing design parameters such as clearance and tolerance to be reduced for aesthetic purposes while the bumper maintains the protective function, thus decoupling appearance improvements from reliability degradation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If bumpers are added to protect fragile portions from hinge contact, then impact protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper is designed as a simple, inexpensive component made of impact resistant material that can be easily replaced if needed. This approach protects expensive fragile portions and the hinge mechanism with a low-cost element, minimizing the complexity and cost impact of adding protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The bumper provides localized protection only at the specific point where impact is most likely to occur between the hinge and fragile portions. Rather than reinforcing the entire device structure, the impact resistant material is applied locally where needed, minimizing the increase in overall device complexity while providing effective protection.
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
This solution effectively reduces the risk of damage to fragile device components by absorbing impact and distributing the force away from sensitive areas, while also allowing for reduced clearance and improved aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
bumpers including an impact resistant member are affixed to the first and/or second portions near the hinge to absorb any impact between the portion(s) and the hinge
Data Source
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AI summary
A computing device includes a first portion (102) and a second portion (104) rotatable relative to each other about a hinge. A bumper (112) is located between the hinge and the first portion. The bumper includes an impact resistant material. The impact resistant material absorbs some or all of the force from an impact between a hinge body and the first portion.