Laptop Hinge Rotating Member With Magnetic Gap Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rotatable multi-body devices, such as laptops, face challenges in maintaining appearance integrity when folding shut due to the need for a gap at the pivot side to allow the second machine body to flip over, which can lead to interference and reduced appearance integrity.
Innovation Solution
A multi-body device design that includes a rotating member, magnetic members, and a stopper mechanism, where the second machine body drives the stopper to enter or retreat from the rotation path of the rotating member, utilizing magnetic repulsion to prevent interference and maintain the device's appearance when folded, and incorporating torsion springs and elastic members for smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a gap is provided at the pivot side of the first machine body to allow the second machine body to flip over, then the second machine body can rotate smoothly, but the appearance integrity of the device is reduced when folded shut
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating member is designed to dynamically change its position based on the state of the second machine body. When the second machine body is opened, the rotating member rotates to clear the rotation path. When the second machine body is folded shut, the rotating member returns to its initial position to fill the gap and maintain appearance integrity. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between rotation smoothness and appearance integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic repulsion force between the first magnetic member and second magnetic member is activated in advance when the second machine body is opened, causing the rotating member to rotate beforehand to clear the rotation path. This preliminary action prevents interference during the subsequent rotation of the second machine body while maintaining appearance integrity when folded.
2Shape
If the rotating member is positioned to maintain appearance integrity when folded, then the device looks intact, but the rotating member may interfere with the second machine body during rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic repulsion force is activated in advance when the second machine body is opened, causing the rotating member to rotate beforehand to clear the rotation path. This preliminary action prevents interference during the subsequent rotation of the second machine body while maintaining appearance integrity when folded.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field acts as an intermediary force between the first magnetic member and second magnetic member, enabling non-contact interaction. This magnetic repulsion force smoothly moves the rotating member out of the rotation path without mechanical contact, eliminating interference while preserving appearance integrity.
3Ease of operation
If magnetic repulsion is used to move the rotating member during rotation, then interference is prevented, but additional components are added to the device
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic repulsion force between the first magnetic member and second magnetic member replaces complex mechanical linkages or motors that would otherwise be needed to move the rotating member. This non-contact magnetic field interaction achieves smooth rotation with minimal components, resolving the contradiction between operation smoothness and device complexity.
4Reliability
If the stopper stretches into the rotation path to prevent rotating member rotation when folded, then accidental rotation is prevented, but the stopper may interfere with the second machine body rotation path
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper is designed to dynamically adjust its position based on the state of the second machine body. When the second machine body is folded shut, the stopper stretches into the rotation path to prevent accidental rotation of the rotating member. When the second machine body is opened, the stopper automatically retracts from the rotation path to avoid interfering with the rotation of the second machine body. This dynamic position adjustment resolves the contradiction between preventing accidental rotation and avoiding rotation path interference.
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
The solution allows for seamless rotation without interference, maintaining the device's appearance integrity and preventing accidental rotation of the rotating member, ensuring smooth operation and protection against damage when the second machine body is flipped over.
Implementation Method 1
Two corresponding ends of the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member are magnetically repulsive to each other
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-body device includes a first machine body, a second machine body, a rotating member, a first magnetic member, a second magnetic member, and a stopper. The second machine body is pivoted to a pivot side of the first machine body. The rotating member is pivoted to the pivot side of the first machine body and located beside the second machine body. The first magnetic member is disposed at the second machine body. The second magnetic member is disposed at a portion of the rotating member corresponding to the first magnetic member. Two corresponding ends of the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member are magnetically repulsive to each other. The stopper is driven by the second machine body and disposed at the pivot side of the first machine body, so as to stretch into or retreat from a rotation path of the rotating member.