Arc-Guided Hinge Structure for Wide-Angle Concealed Expansion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hinge mechanisms for electronic devices are bulky, limit the opening angle, and cannot be seamlessly integrated into the device design due to their external structure, which restricts the thinness and appearance of electronic devices.

Innovation Solution

A hinge design featuring an arc-shaped guide member with a circular displacement track, movable members, and torsion generating members that allow for wide expansion while maintaining a compact size, enabling the hinge to be concealed within the device and reducing volume, utilizing a single-point arc center for rotation and expansion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a conventional double-shaft hinge mechanism is used, then the hinge can provide rotation and expansion functions, but the hinge occupies large volume and cannot be concealed within the electronic device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehinge volumeVSAvoidconcealability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge mechanism is nested within the electronic device body, with the arc-shaped guide member and movable members arranged in a compact configuration that allows the hinge to be concealed inside the device rather than protruding externally

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge transitions from a conventional linear expansion path to a circular displacement track with a single arc center, allowing rotation and expansion to occur in a compact circular path that reduces the overall volume required

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional hinge with limited opening angle is used, then the device structure remains compact, but the hinge cannot provide wide expansion capability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveopening angle rangeVSAvoidhinge volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge employs dynamic torsion generating members that can be compressed and released to provide variable expansion forces, enabling the hinge to achieve wide opening angles (up to 360 degrees or more) while maintaining a compact structure through controlled mechanical motion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The arc-shaped guide member with a single arc center provides a curved circular displacement track, allowing the movable members to follow a circular path that maximizes the opening angle while minimizing the volume required for the hinge mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the rotating angle is increased beyond conventional limits, then the hinge provides wider expansion, but impact between hinge parts causes damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotation angleVSAvoidhinge durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The torsion generating members are pre-compressed to store elastic potential energy, providing a cushioning effect that absorbs impact forces during rotation and expansion, preventing damage to hinge parts even when the rotation angle exceeds conventional limits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The impact forces that would normally cause damage are converted into useful mechanical work through the torsion generating members, which transform the kinetic energy of impact into elastic deformation and back, enabling the hinge to withstand and utilize high-impact forces during wide-angle rotation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 design allows for a thinner electronic device appearance without affecting the device's aesthetics, providing a wider opening angle and reducing overall size compared to conventional double-shaft hinges, while ensuring structural integrity and functionality.

Implementation Method 1

each of the two torsion generating members is provided to press one of the two movable members to bear pressure when one of the two movable members slides

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11640188B2Hinge capable of widely expanding

Publication Date: 2023.05.02 SINHER TECH INC

AI summary

A hinge capable of widely expanding includes an arc-shaped guide member, two movable members and two torsion generating members, wherein first guide rails are formed on two sides of the arc-shaped guide member, and a circular displacement track is defined by an arc center of the arc-shaped guide member. Each of the two movable members, respectively positioned on two sides of the arc-shaped guide member, is provided with a working surface contacting one of the first guide rails and an arc-shaped through hole penetrating therethrough. The arc center of the arc-shaped through hole is the same as the arc-shaped guide members'. Each of the two torsion generating members is assembled to the arc-shaped guide member through the arc-shaped through hole to which one of the two movable members belongs. The two movable members are guided by the arc-shaped guide member to move on the circular displacement track.