Notebook Hinge With Sequential Position-Limiting Mechanism

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing hinge structures for notebook computers fail to smoothly transition the display from the front to the back of the base, leading to potential unexpected operations due to simultaneous pivoting of the shafts under user force.

Innovation Solution

A hinge structure with a position-limiting mechanism comprising first and second position-limiting portions and a position-limiting component, which restricts the pivoting of the first and second shafts in a controlled sequence to prevent simultaneous rotation, allowing smooth transition by ensuring the display is turned over via the first shaft followed by the second shaft.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a hinge structure allows the display to be turned over to the back of the base, then the notebook computer gains panel computer-like configuration flexibility, but the hinge structure becomes complex and may cause unexpected operations due to simultaneous pivoting of multiple shafts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration flexibilityVSAvoidhinge structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge structure is divided into multiple independent shafts (first shaft, second shaft) that can pivot independently, allowing the display to be turned over in a controlled sequence rather than as a single complex motion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The position-limiting mechanism preemptively restricts the pivoting range of each shaft to prevent simultaneous rotation. The first shaft is limited to a first pivoting range and the second shaft to a second pivoting range, ensuring orderly sequential motion before the full turning-over action is completed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the hinge structure uses multiple shafts to enable smooth display turning, then the display can be turned over more smoothly, but the risk of unexpected operations increases due to potential simultaneous pivoting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesmoothness of display turningVSAvoidoperational reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The position-limiting mechanism acts as an intermediary control system between the user's turning action and the multiple shafts. It mediates the motion by enforcing sequential pivoting through the position-limiting component, preventing direct simultaneous rotation of both shafts and ensuring reliable controlled operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The position-limiting mechanism preemptively restricts the pivoting range of each shaft to prevent simultaneous rotation. The first shaft is limited to a first pivoting range and the second shaft to a second pivoting range, ensuring orderly sequential motion before the full turning-over action is completed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the hinge structure allows free pivoting of multiple shafts, then the display can move freely, but unexpected operations occur due to lack of control over pivoting sequence

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay movement freedomVSAvoidcontrol over pivoting sequence

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge structure dynamically adjusts the pivoting ranges of the shafts during operation. The position-limiting component transitions between different positions (first position, second position) to dynamically change which shaft can pivot and by how much, providing controlled freedom rather than static restrictions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The position-limiting mechanism preemptively restricts the pivoting range of each shaft to prevent simultaneous rotation. The first shaft is limited to a first pivoting range and the second shaft to a second pivoting range, ensuring orderly sequential motion before the full turning-over action is completed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9021659B2Hinge structure

Publication Date: 2015.05.05 COMPAL ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

A hinge structure includes a first shaft, a second shaft, a pivot base and a position-limiting mechanism. The first and second shafts are pivoted on the pivot base. The position-limiting mechanism includes a first position-limiting portion, a second position-limiting portion and a position-limiting component. The first position-limiting portion is fixed to the first shaft. The second position-limiting portion is fixed to the second shaft. The position-limiting component is slidably disposed on the pivot base and has first and second ends opposite to each other. When the position-limiting component moves to a first position, the first end and the first position-limiting portion interfere with each other to stop the first shaft and the pivot base from rotating relatively. When the position-limiting component moves to a second position, the second end and the second position-limiting portion interfere with each other to stop the second shaft and the pivot base from rotating relatively.