Preassembled friction hinge module and hinged system

A preassembled hinge module system configured for coupling a first component to a second component for pivotal movement relative to one another, the preassembled hinge module comprising:

• a shaft defining a pivot axis, the shaft being separate from, and configured to be mounted to, the first component;
• a torque element frictionally engaging the shaft;
• a housing containing the torque element, the housing having a side wall and a cover, and wherein at least a portion of a perimeter edge of the cover is engaged with a surface of an upper portion of the side wall that extends inwardly and over the portion of the perimeter edge of the cover, thereby securing the cover in place;
• and
• an adapter having an end configured for fixed coupling to the shaft and an opposite end configured for releasable coupling to the first component.

A hinged system comprising:

• a first component;
• a second component;
• and
• a hinge system including preassembled hinge modules that couple the first component to the second component in a pivot connection so as to allow pivotal movement of the first component relative to the second component, each of the preassembled hinge modules including:
• a shaft defining a pivot axis;
• a torque element frictionally engaging the shaft, the torque element having a perimeter defining a recess;
• and
• a housing having a cover, a rear wall, and a side wall, wherein the housing defines an interior space enclosed within the housing, and the interior space is configured to receive the torque element, wherein the side wall of the housing comprises a rounded detent or protrusion extending into the interior space within the housing, the detent or protrusion being configured to secure the torque element inside the housing and limit rotation of the torque element relative to the housing;
• wherein the cover defines a first aperture and the rear wall defines a second aperture, the first aperture and the second aperture being aligned with the pivot axis of the shaft, with the shaft extending through at least the first aperture, the interior space of the housing, and the second aperture;
• wherein the shaft is mounted to the first component;
• and
• wherein the housing is mounted to the second component.