Sliding Casing Hinge Mechanism for Slim Electronic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices, such as notebook computers, face performance limitations due to function assemblies and heat dissipation openings being covered by casings, and their design does not align with the trend of slim side frames.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device design featuring a hinge assembly with a connection portion that allows the second casing to slide relative to the first casing, exposing function assemblies and heat dissipation openings, while the side frame region covered by the second body increases as the device unfolds, aligning with slim side frame design trends.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If function assemblies and heat dissipation openings are disposed on the host, then the performance of the notebook computer is improved, but the function assemblies and heat dissipation openings are covered by the casings which reduces the performance
Solution Approach 1:
The second casing is designed to slide relative to the first casing along the second axial portion when the hinge assembly rotates, dynamically changing the exposed area of function assemblies and heat dissipation openings based on the device's folding state
Solution Approach 2:
The second casing is nested within or adjacent to the first casing, allowing it to slide and expose hidden components, similar to nested structures that reveal inner elements when activated
2Ease of manufacture
If the lower portion of the display is equipped with a wider side frame to provide space for traces or electrical assemblies, then the structural requirements are met, but the wide side frame cannot visually comply with the design trend of slim side frames
Solution Approach 1:
The solution moves the required space from the lateral dimension (side frame width) to the longitudinal dimension (sliding distance of the second casing), allowing slim side frames while maintaining space for traces and electrical assemblies
Solution Approach 2:
The second casing slides to provide access space dynamically when needed, rather than permanently increasing the side frame width, thus maintaining slim aesthetics while meeting structural requirements
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a first body, a second body, a hinge assembly, and a linkage assembly. The first body has a first pivoting end. The second body includes first and second casings slidably disposed on each other. The first casing has a second pivoting end. The hinge assembly has a first axial portion, a second axial portion, and a connection portion. The first and second pivoting ends are pivotally connected to the first axial portion and the second axial portion, respectively. The connection portion does not overlap the second axial portion along an axial direction. The linkage assembly is connected between the connection portion and the second casing. When the hinge assembly rotates along the second axial portion relative to the first casing to drive the first body to be unfolded, the linkage assembly drives the second casing to slide, so that an end of the second casing protrudes.