Semi-solid hinge cover for thin profile laptops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinge solutions for information handling systems, particularly in laptops, face challenges in providing a thin profile while enabling 360-degree rotation and maintaining a cosmetic appearance, especially for '2-in-1 products' that require multi-axis hinges and efficient cable routing.
Innovation Solution
A semi-solid hinge cover comprising an outer cover member and an inner cover member made of flexible, elastic material that elongates and compresses to minimize physical size and overcome hinge interference during rotation, allowing for 360-degree rotation while providing a cosmetic and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a thin profile hinge cover is used to achieve a sleek appearance, then the cosmetic appearance is improved, but the hinge cover cannot accommodate multi-axis hinges during 360-degree rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge cover employs a flexible elastic material that dynamically changes its physical state during rotation. The material transitions from a compressed state during opening to an elongated state during closing, allowing the thin profile cover to accommodate the multi-axis hinge's movement without compromising the sleek appearance when closed.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge cover utilizes changes in the elastic material's physical parameters (volume, shape, density) during rotation. By compressing the material during hinge opening and allowing it to expand during closing, the cover maintains a thin profile when closed while providing sufficient internal space for the hinge mechanism during rotation.
2Length of stationary object
If the hinge cover physical size is minimized to achieve a thin profile, then the overall device thickness is reduced, but the hinge cover cannot overcome hinge interference during rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge cover uses a flexible elastic material that dynamically adjusts its volume and shape during hinge rotation. When the hinge opens, the material compresses to accommodate the hinge's movement; when the hinge closes, the material expands to maintain the thin profile. This dynamic adjustment ensures smooth rotation without interference while maintaining minimal thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible elastic material acts as an intermediary between the thin profile cover and the multi-axis hinge. It absorbs the mechanical interference and stress during rotation, allowing the hinge to move smoothly without compromising the cover's thin profile or causing damage to either component.
3Shape
If a rigid hinge cover structure is used to maintain cosmetic appearance, then the aesthetic quality is improved, but the hinge cover cannot elongate and compress to overcome hinge interference
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge cover employs a flexible elastic material that maintains the appearance of a solid, cosmetic shell while possessing the flexibility needed to deform during rotation. The material's elasticity allows it to temporarily change shape to accommodate hinge movement while returning to its original form, providing both aesthetic quality and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge cover utilizes composite construction combining the outer cosmetic shell with an inner flexible elastic material layer. This composite structure provides the rigid appearance needed for aesthetics while the inner elastic layer absorbs the mechanical stresses and deformation required for smooth hinge rotation, resolving the contradiction between appearance and flexibility.
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 cover solution enables a thin profile for information handling systems by accommodating multi-axis hinges and cable routing, maintaining a pleasing cosmetic appearance and minimizing the physical size of the hinge cover during rotation, thus addressing the challenges of existing hinge solutions.
Implementation Method 1
an inner cover member generally internal to the outer cover member and comprising a flexible, elastic material configured to elongate and compress to overcome hinge interference of the one or more hinges during rotation
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a system may include a first member, a second member hingedly coupled to the first member via one or more hinges, and a hinge cover coupled between the first member and the second member for enclosing the one or more hinges, the hinge cover comprising an outer cover member and an inner cover member generally internal to the outer cover member and comprising a flexible, elastic material configured to elongate and compress to overcome hinge interference of the one or more hinges during rotation of the first member relative to the second member in order to minimize a physical size of the hinge cover.