Semi-Automatic Hinge Structure to Reduce Contamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices with hinge structures face issues such as contamination from foreign substances, interference with peripheral components during opening and closing, and complexity in design and assembly.
Innovation Solution
A semi-automatic hinge structure that allows housings to open and close without a free-stop, reducing contamination and component interference while simplifying design and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional hinge structure with free-stop is used, then the housing can be held at arbitrary positions, but foreign substances (e.g., metal shavings) can contaminate the hinge mechanism and durability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the free-stop mechanism from the hinge structure, extracting the source of contamination. By eliminating the free-stop, there are no gaps or crevices where metal shavings and foreign substances can accumulate, thereby improving durability while maintaining the essential hinge function of allowing cover rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of a complex hinge structure into a benefit by designing a simplified hinge that uses fewer moving parts. The simplified structure reduces contamination risk while the elastic element provides the necessary stopping force without requiring a traditional free-stop mechanism, thus turning structural simplicity into a durability advantage.
2Ease of operation
If a conventional hinge structure with multiple components is used, then the housing can open and close, but the design and assembly become complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated hinge structure. The hinge combines the rotation axis, the elastic element, and the stopping mechanism into one unified component, eliminating the need for separate free-stop parts and reducing overall assembly complexity while maintaining full operational functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it enables rotation, provides stopping force through the elastic element, and prevents over-opening. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying both design and assembly processes.
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 hinge structure enhances durability and ease of use by minimizing contamination and component interaction, while reducing the number of components and assembly complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a hinge structure positioned between the first housing and the second housing to rotate the second housing with respect to the first housing
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
An electronic device includes a first housing, a second housing including a cover, a hinge engaging portion, and a hinge protrusion, and a hinge structure configured to rotate the second housing relative to the first housing, the hinge structure including a first base facing the hinge engaging portion and a second base connected to the first base, and the second base includes a first contact surface contacting the hinge protrusion as the second housing transitions between the closing position and the intermediate position, and a second contact surface contacting the hinge protrusion while the second housing transitions between the intermediate position and the opening position.