Retractable Linkage Support for Stable Large-Angle Screen Opening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hinges in electronic devices such as laptops and tablets provide unstable support, leading to tipping back of display screens when opened.

Innovation Solution

A linkage device with a drive component and support member that switches between transmission and idle strokes, featuring a first and second shaft synchronized during transmission and separated during idle strokes, along with a limiting assembly to enhance stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional hinge is used to enable opening and closing of electronic apparatuses, then the opening and closing function is achieved, but the support stability is insufficient and the apparatus may tip back

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveopening and closing functionVSAvoidsupport stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The linkage device is divided into multiple functional segments: a drive component with first and second shafts, a support member, a limiting assembly, and a damping assembly. Each segment performs a specific function - the shafts control rotation phases, the support member provides structural support, the limiting assembly prevents over-rotation, and the damping assembly controls motion smoothness. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both opening/closing functionality and support stability through coordinated operation of independent components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If the support member is extended to provide support, then the support stability is improved, but the storage space is reduced due to increased device volume

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport stabilityVSAvoiddevice volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The support member is designed to be retractable and can be nested within the housing when not in use. During support operation, the support member extends outward to provide stability. When storage is required, the support member retracts into the housing, minimizing the device's external dimensions. This nesting mechanism allows the device to achieve both extended support capability and compact storage form factor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the linkage device includes multiple assemblies (limiting, damping), then the support stability and operation smoothness are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport stabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The limiting assembly and damping assembly are integrated into the linkage device structure, sharing common mounting points and spatial arrangements. The limiting assembly incorporates a limiting groove and limiting block that work together with the shaft rotation, while the damping assembly uses a damping plate and damping hole that are structurally combined with the existing components. This merging approach reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies assembly while maintaining the functional benefits of both assemblies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4276574B1Linkage device, apparatus accessory and electronic apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.07.23 BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO LTD
  • EP4276574B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4276574B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP4276574B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

A linkage device includes a drive component and a support member. The drive component is rotatable during a transmission stroke and an idle stroke. The support member is coupled to the drive component. The drive component and the support member rotate synchronously during the transmission stroke. At least a part of the drive component idles with respect to the support member during the idle stroke. The support member has a retracted position and a support position switched by the transmission stroke. The support member in the retracted position is suitable for storage. The support member in the support position is suitable for stopping and limiting.