Removable Couplers for Multi-Pivot Hinge Cover Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing computing devices with hinged portions, such as tablets and keyboards, face challenges in providing stable and flexible interaction configurations, as they often lack secure and aesthetically pleasing solutions for covering and protecting the multi-pivot hinge assemblies, which can lead to damage and user safety issues.

Innovation Solution

The use of removable couplers configured to secure sequential hinge covers over a multi-pivot hinge module, engaging threaded holes for fastening components to attach and secure hinge covers over each frame, allowing for sequential installation and protection of the hinge components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If hinge covers are installed to protect the multi-pivot hinge assembly, then the aesthetic appearance and protection of the device is improved, but the complexity of assembly and disassembly increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection of hinge componentsVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge cover assembly is segmented into multiple components: the hinge cover itself, removable couplers, and fastening components. This segmentation allows the cover to be installed and removed in sections rather than as a single complex unit, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining protection functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The removable couplers enable dynamic assembly and disassembly of the hinge covers. The couplers can be quickly attached and detached from the shafts, allowing users to install or remove protective covers as needed without permanent fixation, thus simplifying the overall assembly process while maintaining protection when required

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If hinge covers are securely fastened to protect the hinge assembly, then the reliability and safety is improved, but the ease of operation for assembly and disassembly deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity of hinge cover attachmentVSAvoidease of cover installation and removal
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment mechanism is divided into modular components: removable couplers that attach to shafts and fastening components that secure the cover. This modular design allows each component to be independently manipulated, making the overall assembly and disassembly process simpler while maintaining secure attachment when assembled

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening components are designed to be easily engaged and disengaged from the removable couplers. This dynamic fastening system allows users to quickly secure or remove the hinge covers without complex tools or procedures, improving ease of operation while ensuring reliable attachment when assembled

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If removable couplers are used to enable sequential installation of hinge covers, then the ease of manufacture and assembly is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of sequential assemblyVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge cover system is segmented into multiple installable units that can be sequentially attached along the hinge assembly. Each segment uses standardized removable couplers and fastening components, allowing manufacturers to assemble the device in a simplified sequential process rather than requiring complex simultaneous assembly of all components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The removable couplers serve multiple functions: they attach to the shafts, provide mounting points for fastening components, and enable both protective coverage and easy removal. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby reducing overall device complexity despite the modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3507673B1Removable couplers for assembly of an integrated multi-pivot hinge module
Publication Date: 2020.09.02 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • EP3507673B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3507673B1 patent drawingFigure 1C~2A
  • EP3507673B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

Technologies are described for a set of removable couplers configured to secure sequential hinge covers over a sequential multi-pivot hinge module for rotatably securing portions of a computing device. The removable couplers may be configured to engage each end of a shaft, where the shaft rotatably couples frames of the multi-pivot hinge module together. Each of the removable couplers may include threaded holes for engaging a fastening component to secure a hinge cover over each frame. The hinge covers may be installed sequentially over each frame of the multi-pivot hinge module, by installing a frame, attaching removable couplers and securing the hinge cover, and repeating the process for each hinge cover.