Non-Uniform Thickness Hinge Design for Laptop Scraping

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional notebook computers have a monotonous external appearance due to uniform thickness across all surfaces, which can lead to an undesirable visual experience and practical issues like scraping during carrying.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with a two-part structure featuring a main body comprising first and second main bodies connected by a device allowing relative movement, where the thickness of portions adjacent and away from the connecting device differ, creating a non-uniform thickness pattern that breaks the monotonous design and enhances usability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the notebook computer has uniform thickness across all surfaces, then the manufacturing is simple and consistent, but the external appearance becomes monotonous and causes scraping during carrying

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidexternal appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating different thickness regions in specific areas of the notebook computer. The first main body has a first thickness in a first region and a second thickness in a second region, while the second main body has corresponding thickness variations. This allows the device to have a monotonous appearance in some areas while featuring distinctive thickness patterns in others, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and aesthetic design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements asymmetry by making the thickness distribution non-uniform across the notebook computer. The connecting device connects main bodies with different thickness characteristics, creating an asymmetric overall structure. This asymmetric design breaks the monotony of uniform thickness while maintaining manufacturability through modular construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Device complexity

If the notebook computer has uniform thickness, then the structure is simple and consistent, but the visual experience is monotonous and practical usability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural complexityVSAvoidusability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating different thickness regions in specific areas of the notebook computer. The first main body has a first thickness in a first region and a second thickness in a second region, while the second main body has corresponding thickness variations. This allows the device to have a monotonous appearance in some areas while featuring distinctive thickness patterns in others, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and aesthetic design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If the notebook computer has uniform thickness, then the manufacturing cost is lower, but the device causes scraping during carrying and lacks ergonomic features

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidscraping during carrying

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating different thickness regions in specific areas of the notebook computer. The first main body has a first thickness in a first region and a second thickness in a second region, while the second main body has corresponding thickness variations. This allows the device to have a monotonous appearance in some areas while featuring distinctive thickness patterns in others, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and aesthetic design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential harm of thickness variation (increased manufacturing complexity) into a benefit by strategically placing thicker regions at edges and corners. These thicker regions prevent scraping during carrying, while the rest of the device maintains uniform thickness for cost-effective manufacturing. The connecting device design accommodates these localized thickness variations without requiring complete redesign of the entire structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentUS10948944B2Electronic device

Publication Date: 2021.03.16 LENOVO (BEIJING) LTD

AI summary

An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a main body including a first main body and a second main body, and a connecting device connected to a first side of the first main body and a second side of the second main body such that the first main body and the second main body are movable relative to each other. The main body includes a first portion adjacent to the connecting device and a second portion away from the connecting device. A thickness of the first portion is greater than a thickness of the second portion.