Adjustable Torque Hinge Structure for Portable Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hinge structures in portable electronic devices occupy significant volume and increase weight, making them less portable and difficult to miniaturize due to the need for higher torque values, which complicates internal design and case mold layout.
Innovation Solution
A hinge structure comprising an axis body, a torque member, and a pressing assembly, where the torque member is threaded onto the axis body and pushed by a magnetic or elastic pressing assembly, allowing for adjustable torque without increasing the hinge's volume, secured without screws, and enabling easy adjustment of torque values by modifying the pressing assembly's magnetic force or elastic coefficient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional hinge structure is used to provide sufficient torque for larger devices, then the torque value is improved, but the volume and weight of the hinge structure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge structure is divided into separate functional components: a first component (axis body) and a second component (torque member) that can rotate relative to each other. This segmentation allows the torque-generating elements to be distributed and optimized independently, reducing the overall volume while maintaining sufficient torque output for larger devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs adjustable parameters including the distance between the rotation axis and the pressing assembly, the elastic coefficient of the pressing assembly, and the magnetic force between magnetic members. By optimizing these parameters, the hinge achieves high torque output in a compact configuration, resolving the contradiction between torque value and volume.
2Force
If conventional hinge structure is designed for higher torque to support larger devices, then the torque capacity is improved, but the weight of the hinge structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical torque generation mechanisms with a combination of elastic force (from the pressing assembly) and magnetic force (from magnetic members). This substitution eliminates the need for heavy mechanical components while maintaining high torque capacity, thus improving torque output without increasing weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge structure utilizes composite material properties by combining elastic materials (pressing assembly) with magnetic materials (magnetic members). This composite approach enables high torque generation through material properties rather than mass, reducing overall weight while maintaining torque capacity for larger devices.
3Force
If the torque value of the hinge structure is changed, then the performance is improved, but the volume and design complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge structure incorporates adjustable and replaceable components (pressing assembly with variable elastic coefficients, magnetic members with different strengths) that allow torque values to be dynamically adjusted or easily reconfigured. This dynamic design enables torque optimization without redesigning the entire hinge structure, reducing design complexity while improving performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides multiple adjustable parameters (distance from rotation axis to pressing assembly, elastic coefficient of pressing assembly, magnetic force strength) that allow designers to optimize torque values by simply adjusting these parameters rather than redesigning the entire structure. This maintains compact volume while enabling torque customization for different device requirements.
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 solution allows for a compact hinge structure that can be easily integrated into portable electronic devices, providing adjustable torque while minimizing space usage and simplifying design, thus enhancing portability and usability.
Implementation Method 1
the pressing assembly includes two magnetic members, the two magnetic members are repulsive with each other, and one of the magnetic members leans against the torque member to provide the pushing force
Implementation Method 2
The pressing assembly is an elastic member and is in contact with the torque member to provide the pushing force
Implementation Method 3
the torque member is pushed by the contact surface to move around the central axis of the axis body when the torque member and the axis body rotate relatively
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge structure including an axis body, a torque member, and a pressing assembly is provided. The axis body includes a contact surface. The torque member leans against the contact surface of the axis body. The torque member and the axis body are rotatable relatively around a central axis of the axis body. The contact surface pushes the torque member to move around the central axis of the axis body when the torque member and the axis body rotate relatively. The pressing assembly provides a pushing force to the torque member to push the torque member to push towards the contact surface. A plurality of electronic devices having the hinge structure are further provided.