Adjustable Hinge Stiffness via Dynamic Lever Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interconnection mechanisms for devices, such as hinges in computing and display devices, face issues with stiffness adjustment, leading to difficulties in pivoting and storage, as well as aesthetic and safety concerns when disconnected, due to inconsistent force requirements and potential damage risks.
Innovation Solution
An interconnection mechanism with a hinge that adjusts between high and low stiffness states via a latch mechanism, actuator, and lever system, allowing for easy disconnection and reconnection while minimizing force required for operation and reducing the risk of damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the hinge is designed with high stiffness to maintain stability when connected, then the structural stability is improved, but the force required to pivot and operate the mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge stiffness is made dynamically adjustable through a lever mechanism that can switch between two states: a first position for high stiffness when connected, and a second position for low stiffness when disconnected. This allows the system to adapt its mechanical properties based on operational requirements, resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameter of hinge stiffness is changed between two discrete states based on the connection status. When the second component is connected, the hinge operates in high stiffness mode for stability; when disconnected, it switches to low stiffness mode for easier manipulation and storage, directly addressing the force requirement contradiction.
2Strength
If the hinge maintains consistent high stiffness, then the structural integrity is improved, but the ease of operation and storage decreases due to increased force requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static high-stiffness design to a dynamic system that adjusts stiffness based on operational mode. The lever mechanism enables the hinge to be strong when needed (connected state) and flexible when needed (disconnected state for storage), resolving the contradiction between strength and ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If the hinge is designed for easy disconnection with low force, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of damage and aesthetic issues when disconnected increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge stiffness parameter is changed based on connection status. When disconnected, the low stiffness mode prevents the hinge from appearing damaged or misaligned, while the latch mechanism ensures secure connection when attached. This resolves the contradiction between ease of disconnection and prevention of damage/aesthetic issues.
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 mechanism enables smooth pivoting and storage by adjusting stiffness based on the connection state, reducing the force needed for operation and preventing damage when disconnected, thus enhancing user safety and aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
a lever to adjust the hinge to a high stiffness state for the second component latched to the interconnection mechanism and to adjust the hinge to a low stiffness state for the second component unlatched from the interconnection mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly can include a first component; a second component that includes a socket; a processor and a memory accessible by the processor, the processor and memory being included in one or more of the first component and the second component; and an interconnection mechanism for pivotable interconnection of the first component and the second component about a pivot axis where the interconnection mechanism includes a hinge that defines the pivot axis, a prong pivotable about the pivot axis, a latch mechanism to latch the second component to the interconnection mechanism with the prong received by the socket of the second component, an actuator to unlatch the latch mechanism, and a lever to adjust the hinge to a high stiffness state to adjust the hinge to a low stiffness state. Various other apparatuses, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed.