Adjustable Hinge Torsion via Magnetic Actuation

Solution Overview

Problem

Notebook computers with hinge structures face operational difficulties due to inconsistent torsion, leading to either difficulty in opening the display or visual discomfort and shaking during touch control operations, as the torsion is either too large or too small.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable hinge structure with a torsion adjusting assembly that allows for two different torsion settings, enabling smooth opening and closing of the device while minimizing shaking during touch operations, by using a movable component and actuating unit with a magnetic field to adjust the torsion based on the included angle between the bodies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the torsion of the hinge structure is made large, then the display can be opened more easily, but the display will shake during touch control operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of opening displayVSAvoidstability during touch control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge structure incorporates a movable torsion adjusting assembly that can dynamically change the torsion value between two states. This allows the system to adapt the hinge stiffness based on operational requirements - using lower torsion for easy opening and higher torsion for stable touch control operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameter of torsion in the hinge structure by moving the torsion adjusting assembly between positions. This parameter change enables the hinge to provide different mechanical characteristics - softer torsion for easy opening and stiffer torsion for stable touch operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If the torsion of the hinge structure is made small, then the display operates stably during touch control, but the display becomes difficult to open

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability during touch controlVSAvoidease of opening display

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge structure incorporates a movable torsion adjusting assembly that can dynamically change the torsion value between two states. This allows the system to adapt the hinge stiffness based on operational requirements - using lower torsion for easy opening and higher torsion for stable touch control operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameter of torsion in the hinge structure by moving the torsion adjusting assembly between positions. This parameter change enables the hinge to provide different mechanical characteristics - softer torsion for easy opening and stiffer torsion for stable touch operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If a fixed torsion hinge structure is used, then the device structure is simple, but the user experiences operational difficulties due to inconsistent torsion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of hinge structureVSAvoidoperational smoothness

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge structure incorporates a movable torsion adjusting assembly that can dynamically change the torsion value between two states. This allows the system to adapt the hinge stiffness based on operational requirements - using lower torsion for easy opening and higher torsion for stable touch control operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameter of torsion in the hinge structure by moving the torsion adjusting assembly between positions. This parameter change enables the hinge to provide different mechanical characteristics - softer torsion for easy opening and stiffer torsion for stable touch operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 adjustable torsion ensures smooth operation and reduced user effort in opening and closing the device, while preventing shaking during touch control, thereby enhancing the overall usability and control of the electronic device.

Implementation Method 1

The actuating unit includes a coil and a magnetic component. The coil is fixed on the second body. The magnetic component is fixed on the torsion adjusting assembly. The coil is adapted to be energized to generate a magnetic field so that the magnetic component is moved to the first position or the second position.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field generation: Electromagnet

Data Source

PatentUS9001526B2Electronic device

Publication Date: 2015.04.07 ACER INC

AI summary

An electronic device includes a first body, a second body and a hinge structure. The hinge structure includes a first pivot component, a second pivot component, a first connecting component and a torsion adjusting assembly. The first pivot component is fixed on the first body. The second pivot component is fixed on the second body and pivoted to the first pivot component. The first connecting component is fixed on the first pivot component. The torsion adjusting assembly is movably disposed at the second body. When the torsion adjusting assembly is moved to a first position, the first connecting component and the torsion adjusting assembly are separated and the hinge structure has a first torsion. When the torsion adjusting assembly is moved to a second position, the first connecting component is connected to the torsion adjusting assembly and the hinge structure has a second torsion larger than the first torsion.