Modular Hinge Core With Selective Rotation Stop Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge in reusing information handling system components, particularly hinges, lies in tracking remaining life, predicting future failures, and efficiently disassembling systems to separate reusable components, with conventional methods being time-consuming and potentially damaging.

Innovation Solution

A modular hinge system with selectively disengaged rotation stops and interchangeable hinge cores that allow for automated assembly and disassembly, featuring a mount coupled to each housing portion and a separable hinge core with selectable rotational characteristics, enabling easy replacement and recycling of worn parts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional hinge designs with fixed rotation stops are used, then the hinge provides stable rotational control during normal operation, but the disassembly process becomes time-consuming and potentially damaging when component reuse is required

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveRotational control during normal operationVSAvoidDisassembly for component reuse

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge is divided into separate functional components: a hinge body with mounting features, a rotation stop mechanism that can be independently removed, and hinge arms. This segmentation allows the rotation stop to be selectively disengaged during disassembly while maintaining structural integrity during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rotation stop mechanism transitions from a fixed constraint during normal operation to a selectively removable feature during disassembly. The dynamic aspect is embodied in the ability to engage the rotation stop for operational stability and disengage it when full rotation is needed for component access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If modular interchangeable hinge cores are implemented, then component reuse and recycling efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple hinge core variants

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveComponent reuse efficiencyVSAvoidNumber of hinge core variants

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A universal hinge mount interface is designed to accommodate multiple hinge core variants. The mount structure includes standardized features that can work with different hinge cores having varying rotational characteristics, allowing one mount design to serve multiple functions across different system configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Different hinge cores are distinguished by adjustable parameters such as rotation stop orientation, torque characteristics, and rotational detent positions. Rather than requiring completely different structural designs, the system varies specific parameters of the hinge cores while maintaining compatibility with the universal mount interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If rotation stops are permanently engaged to prevent over-rotation, then housing protection is improved, but access to display and keyboard for removal becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveHousing protection from over-rotationVSAvoidAccess to components for removal

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The rotation stop function is extracted as a separate, removable component from the hinge assembly. During disassembly operations, the rotation stop can be taken out or disengaged to allow full rotation for component access, while during normal operation it remains in place to provide protective rotational limits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotation stop acts as an intermediary mechanism between the hinge arms, providing controlled rotation during normal operation but allowing its function to be temporarily suspended during disassembly. This intermediary role enables the system to switch between protected operation and full-access disassembly modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12524046B2Modular portable information handling system hinge with selectively disengaged rotation stop

Publication Date: 2026.01.13 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

An information handling system hinge has a modular and selectively separable core that couples to hinge mounts in an interchangeable manner so that core selection defines hinge characteristics, such as torque, detent orientation and stop orientation. A standardized mount accepts cores with different rotational characteristics for streamlined manufacture of information handling systems and improved reuse and recycling of hinge components. A stop included with the hinge limits hinge rotation to a defined orientation, such as 135 degrees, and is released by engagement with a tool form exterior the housing to allow rotation past the defined orientation and thereby release a display from the housing.