Detachable Tablet Hinge With Friction Teeth And Locking Pin

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing computer arrangements with detachable tablet and base parts have complex hinge mechanisms that restrict full rotation (360°) and limited positional adjustment, compromising functionality and compactness.

Innovation Solution

A hinge arrangement with two pairs of teeth and a friction hinge mechanism, featuring interlocking tooth elements and a distribution cylinder, allows for 360° rotation and adjustable positioning of the tablet part relative to the base part, along with a locking device for secure coupling and decoupling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a complex hinge mechanism is used to connect the tablet part to the base part, then the tablet can be detachably connected to the base, but the device complexity increases and full 360° rotation is not allowed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetachable connection reliabilityVSAvoidhinge mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge arrangement is divided into separate components: a hinge unit with toothed elements for mechanical connection and a separate locking device with a locking pin for securing the connection. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, reducing overall complexity while maintaining reliable detachable connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A locking pin acts as an intermediary element that bridges the hinge unit and the tablet part. The locking pin engages with a receptacle to secure the tablet part to the base part, providing a simple yet reliable locking mechanism that avoids complex hinge designs while ensuring stable connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a friction hinge arrangement with toothed elements is used, then adjustable positioning is enabled, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition adjustment capabilityVSAvoidfriction hinge complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The friction hinge arrangement utilizes friction between the toothed elements and the pivoting bar to automatically maintain positioning without requiring additional locking mechanisms or complex control systems. The friction force itself provides the positioning function, allowing the tablet part to be adjusted to different angles and held in place through the inherent friction characteristics of the toothed engagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Stability of the object's composition

If the tablet part is permanently connected to the base via a connecting structure, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoiddetachable connection capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between the tablet part and base part transitions from a fixed permanent connection to a dynamic detachable connection. The hinge arrangement with locking device allows the connection state to change between locked (stable) and unlocked (detachable) conditions, providing both structural stability when connected and adaptability when detachment is needed, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables flexible use of the tablet part as a standalone device or a laptop with full 360° rotation and adjustable positioning, enhancing usability and compactness while maintaining electrical and mechanical connections.

Implementation Method 1

the adjusting devices (32) are designed as friction hinge arrangements (32), wherein the friction elements (38, 40) each have a friction cylinder (39) and are rigidly connected to each other via a web element (42). Furthermore, the pivot strip (12) is connected to a connector part (18). The toothing elements (34, 36) each have a pin element (44, 46) that engages in the friction cylinder (39) of the respective friction element (38, 40)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3309648B1Computer assembly with a tablet part and a base part
Publication Date: 2020.12.02 PORSCHE LIZENZ UND HANDELSGESELLSCHAFT MBH & CO KG
  • EP3309648B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3309648B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3309648B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Computer arrangement comprising a tablet part (4) and a base part (6) which are detachably connectable to one another, wherein a hinge arrangement (14) and a locking device (48) are provided and which can be fixed in a position relative to each other by means of an adjusting device (44), wherein at least one electrical contact pair (24), consisting of a first and a second contact element (26, 28), and at least one plug connection (22), consisting of a plug part (18) and a receiving opening (20), are provided, which in the coupled state of the tablet part (4) with the base part (6) form both an electrical and a mechanical connection, wherein the base part (6) is connected to a pivoting strip (12) via the hinge arrangement (14),the tablet part (4) has at least two connector parts (18) and at least one first contact element (26) on a longitudinal side (17) facing the tablet part (4), and the tablet part (4) has at least two receiving openings (20) and at least one second contact element (28) on a longitudinal side (23) facing the pivot bar (6), wherein the hinge arrangement (46) has two pairs of teeth (30) and at least one adjusting device (32) associated with one pair of teeth (30), which is designed as a friction hinge arrangement with two friction elements (38, 40), wherein the pairs of teeth (30) each form two interlocking tooth elements (34, 36) arranged symmetrically to a transverse axis (33), wherein at least one pair of teeth (30) is associated with a friction hinge arrangement (32).