Two-Stage Hinge Module for Laptop Display Stability

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hinge modules in notebook computers cause the display to be far away from the user and shift its center of gravity rearward when unfolded beyond 90 degrees, leading to instability and increased space occupation.

Innovation Solution

A two-stage hinge module with a positioning assembly, first and second shafts, brackets, and a switching assembly that allows the display to be suspended above the main body, adjusting its center of gravity forward and reducing the distance from the user, by enabling a first and second unfolded state with specific angular configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the display body is unfolded beyond 90 degrees to provide a working mode, then the device can be used for typing and viewing, but the display body becomes far away from the user and the center of gravity shifts rearward causing instability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworking mode usabilityVSAvoiddevice stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge module is divided into two independent rotation stages: the first shaft enables initial unfolding from closed to first unfolded state (0-90 degrees), and the second shaft enables further unfolding to second unfolded state (90-180 degrees). This segmentation allows the display to be suspended above the main body in the second unfolded state, keeping the center of gravity forward and maintaining stability while providing working mode usability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge module dynamically transitions between three distinct states: closed state (display parallel to main body), first unfolded state (first angle between 0-90 degrees), and second unfolded state (second angle between 90-180 degrees with display suspended above). The switching assembly dynamically controls which shaft is active at each stage, allowing the display to be positioned close to the user in the second unfolded state while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If a gap is reserved between the main body and display body to avoid interference during flipping, then the device can be unfolded smoothly, but the distance from the user to the screen increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflipping smoothnessVSAvoiddistance from user to screen

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge module utilizes a vertical dimension by suspending the display body above the main body in the second unfolded state, rather than keeping it in the same plane. This dimensional change allows the screen to be positioned closer to the user while the switching assembly ensures smooth flipping motion is maintained throughout the transition from closed to second unfolded state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Volume of moving object

If the display body is positioned far from the user in traditional hinge configurations, then there is sufficient space for internal components, but the device occupies more space and the screen is farther from the user

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinternal space for componentsVSAvoiddistance from user to screen

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The dynamic two-stage rotation mechanism allows the display to achieve a suspended position above the main body in the second unfolded state, bringing the screen closer to the user while maintaining adequate internal space through the L-shaped configuration of the hinge module in the closed state.

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

The hinge module effectively reduces the tendency for the device to fall backward and minimizes space occupation by shortening the distance between the user and the screen, while maintaining stability and usability.

Implementation Method 1

The first rotating part is rotatably disposed through the positioning assembly. The second rotating part is rotatably disposed through the positioning assembly.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

the second shaft rotates relative to the positioning assembly and propels the switching assembly, so that the second bracket continues to rotate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS11599157B2Hinge module and electronic device

Publication Date: 2023.03.07 COMPAL ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

A hinge module is provided, including a positioning assembly, a first shaft, a second shaft, a first bracket, a second bracket, and a switching assembly. The first shaft has a first rotating part and a first installing part. The first rotating part is rotatably disposed through the positioning assembly. The second shaft has a second rotating part and a second installing part. The second rotating part is rotatably disposed through the positioning assembly. The first bracket is disposed on the first installing part of the first shaft. The second bracket is disposed on the second installing part of the second shaft. The switching assembly is movably disposed in the positioning assembly and abuts between the first shaft and the second shaft. The hinge module is adapted to switch between a closed state, a first unfolded state, and a second unfolded state.