Biaxial Hinge Shaft Switching Mechanism for Torque Fluctuation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing notebook PC opening and closing devices require excessive force to open the display casing due to high torque fluctuations caused by cam mechanisms converting linear spring force into rotational torque, making the operation cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a hinge shaft switching mechanism with locking cams and a torsion spring, along with a rotation restraining portion using a stopper plate and friction plates to control the opening torque, ensuring smooth and secure operation by limiting torque fluctuations and applying consistent spring force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a cam mechanism is used to convert spring force into rotation torque, then a large torque is generated when the cam follower rides over the cam top, but this causes sudden torque changes requiring great force to open the casing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the hinge shaft switching mechanism dynamically change the torque characteristics during operation. The mechanism transitions from a locked state with high torque to an unlocked state with reduced torque fluctuations, allowing smooth opening operation while maintaining secure locking when closed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the torque parameter dynamically through the hinge shaft switching mechanism. By switching between different hinge shafts and locking states, the system alters the torque characteristics from high and fluctuating to smooth and controlled, resolving the contradiction between generating sufficient torque and maintaining ease of operation
2Reliability
If a lock holding means is provided to maintain the locked state, then secure locking is achieved, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge shaft switching mechanism serves multiple functions: it acts as both a locking mechanism and a torque control mechanism. By integrating these functions into a single mechanism, the patent achieves secure locking without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-servicing through the interaction of the locking piece and locking cam. The mechanism automatically transitions between locked and unlocked states based on the rotation of the coupling member, reducing the need for additional control components
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 allows for smooth opening and closing of the display casing with reduced operational force, maintaining a secure lock and enabling the display to open to a desired angle without sudden torque changes, enhancing user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a closing spring for applying a spring force in a closing direction to the coupling member
Implementation Method 2
The design incorporates a hinge shaft switching mechanism with locking cams and a torsion spring
Implementation Method 3
the second free stop tilting mechanism provided at least on the second hinge shaft for stopping by a friction torque the second casing attached to second hinge shaft at any tilting angle
Data Source
AI summary
To provide an opening and closing device which can eliminate the torque fluctuations and ensure a secure unlocking, the opening and closing device based on biaxial hinge ensures that, when the second casing is opened from the close position to the initial opened position, and the stopper plate rotates relative to the first hinge shaft up to the initial opened position, the hinge shaft switcher switches from restraints to the rotation of the first hinge shaft to those to the rotation of the second hinge shaft, thus fixes the stopper plate at the initial opened position. The opening torque of the second casing is merely the sum of the torsion torque of the torsion spring and the friction torque of the first free stop tilting mechanism, and not subject to torque fluctuations. Therefore, the second casing can be securely opened.