Tablet Cover Hinge Notch Structure to Prevent Surface Damage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cover devices for portable information devices, such as foldable tablet PCs, often suffer from breakage and damage when the stand cover section is rotated due to the cutting power of the hinge blades, especially when the angle exceeds a certain point, such as 180 degrees.
Innovation Solution
A cover device design featuring a hinge device with notch-shaped portions on the side end faces of the brackets and protruding portions from the inner peripheral surfaces of the bracket placement holes, which reduces the cutting power by allowing the surface materials to compress into these notches rather than being cut by the blades, thereby minimizing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the stand cover section is rotated relative to the base cover section by more than a certain angle, then the stand cover section can function as a stand for the device, but the side end faces of the hinge brackets act as scissors blades and break down or damage the surface materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the 'Blessing in disguise' principle by converting the harmful cutting action of the hinge brackets into a beneficial compression action. The brackets are designed with inclined surfaces that, when rotated, compress the surface materials into recessed portions rather than cutting them. This transforms the harmful scissors-blade effect into a protective compression mechanism that prevents damage while enabling the stand function.
2Shape
If a soft material such as natural leather or artificial leather is used as the outermost surface material, then the appearance design and sense of touch are improved, but the surface materials are more susceptible to breakage and damage from the hinge device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the 'Beforehand cushioning' principle by providing recessed portions in the core materials before the hinge rotation occurs. These recessed portions act as pre-prepared cushioning zones that receive and protect the soft surface materials during rotation. The soft materials are compressed into these recessed portions, preventing them from being cut or damaged by the hinge brackets, thus maintaining both appearance quality and durability.
3Device complexity
If the hinge device uses brackets with flat side end faces, then the structure is simple, but the brackets function as scissors blades and cause damage when rotated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the 'Local quality' principle by modifying only the specific regions where the brackets contact the surface materials. The brackets are equipped with inclined surfaces and the core materials have recessed portions at the contact zones, while the rest of the hinge structure remains simple. This localized modification eliminates the scissors-blade effect without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable information device includes a chassis, and a cover device that covers the back surface of the chassis. The cover device has a base cover section, a stand cover section rotatable relative to the base cover section and movable between a stored position of being provided along the back surface of the chassis and a standing position of protruding from the back surface of the chassis, and a hinge device. A first bracket has a first notch-shaped portion in a root part of the side end face thereof on the side of a hinge shaft to face the side of the second bracket in the axial direction. A second bracket has a second notch-shaped portion in a root part of the side end face thereof on the side of the hinge shaft to face the side of the first bracket in the axial direction.