Notebook Hinge Segmented Connectors Prevent LCD Impact

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hinges for notebook computers fail to effectively prevent the liquid crystal display (LCD) from bumping the host when closing, especially with large and heavy LCDs, leading to potential damage.

Innovation Solution

A hinge design featuring a first connector with an L-shaped configuration, a second connector with a sleeve and plate, and a third connector with a pivot and plate, allowing for easy assembly and enabling the LCD to be pivoted and retained at any angle, using a simple structure with few parts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional hinge with block and sector-shaped positioning plate is used, then the LCD can be connected to the host, but the hinge cannot effectively halt the LCD before bumping the host when the LCD is large and heavy

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveLCD damage preventionVSAvoidhinge stopping capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge is divided into multiple connectors (first connector with L-shaped configuration, second connector with sleeve and plate, third connector with pivot and plate) that work together to provide progressive stopping stages, allowing the LCD to be halted effectively before bumping the host

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The L-shaped first connector acts as an intermediary structure between the host and the LCD, providing a mechanical advantage through its perpendicular arms to amplify the stopping force and prevent LCD damage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a complex multi-step positioning mechanism is used, then the LCD can be halted effectively, but the assembly becomes difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveLCD damage preventionVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge is segmented into three main connectors with clear functional divisions, allowing each component to be manufactured and assembled independently, simplifying the overall assembly process while maintaining effective stopping capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple functional elements (positioning, pivoting, stopping) are merged into a compact arrangement of three connectors that work together seamlessly, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If a simple hinge structure with few parts is used, then the assembly is easy, but the hinge cannot effectively prevent the LCD from bumping the host

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidLCD damage prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge incorporates dynamic elements including the pivoting third connector and the L-shaped first connector that can rotate and adjust positions, allowing a simple structure to provide effective stopping through motion rather than complex mechanical constraints

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The L-shaped first connector introduces a dimensional change with its perpendicular arms, creating a mechanical lever arm that amplifies the stopping force in a different dimension, allowing a simple structure to achieve effective protection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS7533448B2Hinge
Publication Date: 2009.05.19 LEOHAB ENTERPRISE
  • US7533448B2 patent drawing
  • US7533448B2 patent drawing
  • US7533448B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A hinge includes a first connector, a second connector and a third connector. The first connector includes a first section and a second section extending from the first section at a right angle. The second connector includes a sleeve and a plate secured to the second section of the first connector. The third connector includes a pivot inserted in the sleeve and a plate extending from the pivot.