Axial Cam Hinge With Spring Counter-Torque for Stable Display Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinged devices for positioning displays lack a robust and compact mechanism to balance the display at desired angles, failing to effectively counteract torque imparted by the display, resulting in instability and limited user experience.
Innovation Solution
The use of axial cams and a spring mechanism that balances the display by creating a counter-torque profile, allowing the display to be positioned at specific angles and maintaining those positions until changed by the user, while being compact and reliable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional hinge mechanisms are used to position displays, then the structure can be simple, but the device lacks stability and cannot effectively counteract torque imparted by the display
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spring mechanism that generates counter-torque to balance the weight of the display, creating a counterweight effect. The spring is positioned to leverage the weight of the arm and display assembly, automatically generating the necessary counterbalancing force without requiring additional active components or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes a cam mechanism with a curved cam surface that converts rotational motion into axial motion of the follower. The curved geometry of the cam allows for smooth, continuous adjustment of the counter-torque throughout the range of motion, providing stable positioning at any angle while maintaining mechanical simplicity.
2Reliability
If a robust mechanism is designed to balance the display and counteract torque, then stability improves, but the device size increases and compactness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated mechanism. The cam and follower assembly serves both to convert rotational motion and to provide the counterbalancing force through the spring. The spring itself leverages the existing weight of the arm and display, eliminating the need for separate counterweights or additional balancing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism is designed with a compact geometry where the follower moves axially within the cam structure. The spring is positioned within the existing hinge assembly, utilizing the available space efficiently. The entire balancing mechanism is integrated into the hinge joint itself, minimizing the overall volume required.
3Volume of moving object
If axial cams and spring mechanism are used to balance the display, then the device becomes compact and reliable, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism is designed to automatically generate the required counter-torque based on the position of the display and arm. The cam and follower assembly automatically converts the rotational position into the appropriate axial force without requiring external control systems, sensors, or active adjustment mechanisms. The system self-regulates throughout its range of motion.
4Reliability
If a mechanism is designed to maintain display position at specific angles, then stability improves, but the ease of operation decreases due to increased friction or resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The cam surface is designed with a specific curved profile that provides smooth, continuous variation of the counter-torque throughout the range of motion. This curved geometry ensures that the transition between different display angles is smooth and friction-free, allowing easy positioning while maintaining stable holding at each angle. The cam profile can be optimized to provide minimal resistance during adjustment.
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
This solution provides a stable and 'weightless' feel to the user, allowing the display to remain in place unless intentionally moved, with the axial cam and spring combination effectively counteracting torque, ensuring robustness and reliability across various angles and orientations.
Implementation Method 1
Axial cams and a spring can be used to balance the display at a given position
Implementation Method 2
The axial cam and spring solution can allow torque supplied to balance the display
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
The description relates to devices that include hinged portions and controlling rotation of the portions. One example can include a display coupled to a first end of an arm. The example can also include a base rotatably secured to a hollow shaft that is fixed to the arm. The hollow shaft defines an axis of rotation of the arm relative to the base. The base can also include first and second opposing axial cam elements positioned on the hollow shaft and a spring positioned on the hollow shaft. The first and second opposing axial cam elements can be oriented relative to one another such that rotation of the arm toward the base causes the first and second axial cam elements to move away from one another along the hollow shaft thereby compressing the spring.