Automatic Hinge Locking Assembly for Electronic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices with clamshell housings lack an efficient mechanism to automatically lock and unlock the hinge assembly, which affects the usability and durability by allowing unintended rotation of the display section relative to the base section.
Innovation Solution
An automatic hinge locking assembly that includes a swing arm, a locking pin, a cam, and a follower arm, which selectively locks and unlocks the hinge by rotating the swing arm about a fixed axis, allowing controlled angular motion of the display section within specific ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual locking mechanism is used for the hinge assembly, then the device structure remains simple, but the usability is reduced due to the need for manual intervention and the risk of unintended rotation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly incorporates an automatic locking mechanism that self-activates when the display section reaches specific angular positions during rotation. The system uses the rotational motion itself to trigger the locking action through cam-follower mechanisms, eliminating the need for separate manual locking operations while maintaining structural efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is pre-configured with cam surfaces and follower arms positioned to automatically engage at predetermined angular positions (such as 90° ± 60°) during the rotation process. This preliminary positioning ensures that locking occurs automatically without requiring user intervention at the moment of rotation
2Reliability
If the hinge assembly is locked at fixed positions, then unintended rotation is prevented, but the device loses flexibility in positioning the display section
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from static fixed-position locking to dynamic multi-position locking. The cam surfaces are designed with multiple engagement zones that allow the hinge to be automatically locked at various angular positions (e.g., 90° ± 60°, 180°, and other intermediate positions), providing both stability and positioning flexibility depending on the device configuration needs
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the locking parameter from a single fixed angular position to multiple variable angular positions. By modifying the cam surface geometry and follower arm positioning, the mechanism can engage at different angles, allowing the display section to be reliably locked in various orientations for different usage scenarios
3Reliability
If an automatic locking mechanism is added to the hinge assembly, then unintended rotation is prevented and durability is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is integrated into the existing hinge assembly structure by combining the cam surfaces with the hinge rotation axis and the follower arms with the display section mounting bracket. This merging of functions allows the automatic locking feature to be added without requiring completely separate mechanical subsystems, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity
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 provides secure locking and unlocking of the hinge assembly, preventing unintended rotation and enhancing the usability and durability of electronic devices by allowing controlled rotation within defined angular ranges, such as 90° ± 60°, and enabling the device to be used in different configurations like a tablet computer.
Implementation Method 1
A compression spring fits around the locking pin and fits within a cavity formed in the base. The compression spring is compressed between an upper surface of the base and a lower surface of the locking pin, thereby biasing the locking pin in an upward direction.
Implementation Method 2
A cam is coupled to the bracket and comprises a follower arm coupled to the locking pin such that rotating the bracket about the shaft drives the follower arm to move the locking pin between the first and second positions.
Implementation Method 3
A cam is coupled to the bracket and comprises a follower arm coupled to the locking pin such that rotating the bracket about the shaft drives the follower arm to move the locking pin between the first and second positions.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
An electronic device (100) comprises a housing having a first section (160) and a second section (162) mounted to the first section (160) by a hinge assembly (200), which comprises a base (210), a swing arm (220) mounted to the base (210) and rotatable about a first axis, and a locking assembly, responsive to a rotation of a shaft (222) coupled to the swing arm (220), selectively locking the swing arm (220) to the base (210).