Resilient Swivel Coupling for Rotatable Displays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable electronic devices with rotatable displays are vulnerable to damage from impact forces when in extended configurations due to the lack of protection in existing coupling mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A resilient coupling mechanism assembly that provides additional support and rigidity by incorporating a resilient member, a first member with a cavity, and a second member, which together absorb and distribute impact forces, reducing stress on the device when it is in an extended position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a rotatable coupling mechanism is used to allow display rotation, then the device achieves extended configurations and versatility, but the device becomes vulnerable to impact forces and damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay rotation capabilityVSAvoiddamage resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The resilient member (spring) is pre-installed in the coupling mechanism to provide cushioning before impact occurs. When impact forces are applied during extended configurations, the spring absorbs and dissipates the energy, protecting the display and internal components from damage while maintaining the rotatable functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Area of moving object

If the device is configured in extended position, then the display area and functionality are increased, but the moment of force during impacts increases causing greater stress

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay areaVSAvoidimpact stress
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The spring mechanism is pre-positioned in the coupling assembly to provide elastic cushioning before impact occurs. When the device is dropped or subjected to impact forces in extended configuration, the spring compresses to absorb the impact energy, significantly reducing the moment of force and stress transmitted to the display and internal components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of operation

If existing coupling mechanisms are used, then the device achieves rotatable functionality, but no protection is provided against impact forces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotatable functionalityVSAvoidimpact force exposure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The resilient spring member is integrated into the coupling mechanism beforehand to provide protective cushioning. The spring absorbs and dissipates impact forces while allowing the rotatable movement to function normally, thus protecting the device against impact forces without compromising ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring acts as an intermediary element between the coupling components, mediating the transmission of forces. It allows rotational movement while providing elastic resistance to impact forces, protecting the display and internal components from direct exposure to harmful impact forces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The resilient coupling mechanism decreases the moment of force experienced by the device during impacts, thereby reducing stress and damage to the components, enhancing the device's durability and functionality in extended configurations.

Implementation Method 1

a resilient member, a first member with a cavity, and a second member, which together absorb and distribute impact forces

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2479960B1Resilient swivel coupling mechanism
Publication Date: 2014.12.10 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2479960B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2479960B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2479960B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A resilient coupling mechanism assembly includes a resilient coupling mechanism. The resilient coupling mechanism includes a resilient member that is substantially circular. The resilient member includes at least an inner portion that is coupled to an outer portion. The outer portion circumscribes the inner portion. A first member includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes a diameter that is larger than a diameter of the second portion. A bottom surface of the first portion is coupled to a top surface of the inner portion of the resilient member. The first member includes a cavity. A second member is coupled to the first member. The second member includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes a diameter that is larger than a diameter of the second portion. The second portion extends from a bottom surface of the first portion.