Bistable Hinge Structure for Thin Electronic Device Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic device hinges are bulky and consume valuable space within the device's chassis, limiting the flexibility in component selection and design due to their thickness and protruding features.
Innovation Solution
A bistable hinge mechanism with a low profile, featuring an arcuate groove and rail design complementarity, along with a biasing element that applies a radial force to stabilize the hinge in both closed and open states, allowing for a compact and high-torque solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional hinge mechanisms are used, then the hinge can provide rotational support, but the hinge becomes bulky and consumes valuable space within the device's chassis
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge is divided into two distinct portions: a first portion with an arcuate groove and a second portion with an arcuate rail. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall volume while maintaining functional integrity. The groove and rail can be precisely shaped to provide necessary mechanical support with minimal material.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge transitions from traditional linear or radial movement to arcuate movement along curved paths. The arcuate groove and rail guide the second portion along a curved trajectory, enabling compact packaging within the chassis while maintaining full rotational support functionality. This dimensional change allows the hinge to occupy less volume by utilizing curved space efficiently.
2Length of moving object
If the hinge thickness is reduced to save space, then the device can be thinner, but the hinge may lack sufficient torque and stability
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing element is constructed from elastic material that combines flexibility with high strength-to-weight ratio. This elastic composite structure allows the thin biasing element to generate sufficient radial force to stabilize the hinge in open and closed positions without requiring increased thickness. The material properties compensate for the reduced dimensional size.
Solution Approach 2:
The arcuate groove and rail design creates a curved engagement path that naturally generates mechanical advantage. As the second portion moves along the arcuate path, the geometry of the curved surfaces converts small radial forces from the thin biasing element into effective torque for stabilizing the hinge in different positions, maintaining force output despite reduced thickness.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the hinge design includes protruding features for stability, then the hinge can maintain position, but the device's interior volume is intruded upon
Solution Approach 1:
Traditional mechanical protrusions and physical stops are replaced with a biasing element that uses elastic force to stabilize the hinge. The elastic biasing element applies radial force to maintain the hinge in stable positions without requiring physical protrusions that would intrude into the device interior. This substitution eliminates the need for space-consuming mechanical features while maintaining position stability.
4Volume of moving object
If a compact hinge design is used, then space is saved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The arcuate groove and arcuate rail are designed as complementary features that mate together to form a unified engagement mechanism. By merging the guidance function into the arcuate geometry itself rather than requiring separate adjustment mechanisms, the design simplifies manufacturing while maintaining precision. The complementary arcuate shapes naturally guide alignment during assembly, reducing the need for post-assembly adjustments.
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 bistable hinge provides a high torque output in a compact package, allowing for thinner electronic devices with more flexible component arrangements, while maintaining a flat back surface and minimizing intrusion into the device's interior volume.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing element contacts a leading edge of the other of the first portion or second portion, and the first portion and second portion are bistable in a closed state relative to one another and an open state relative to one another based at least partially on a surface profile of the biasing element applying a radial force to the leading edge
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4-2
Figure 5~7
AI summary
A hinge device (208) for supporting an electronic device includes a first portion (210) and a second portion (212) movable relative to the first portion with a biasing element (226) supported by one or the first portion or the second portion. The first portion has an arcuate groove (216), and the second portion has an arcuate rail (214) configured to complementarily mate with the arcuate groove and slide therein. The biasing element contacts a leading edge (232) of the other of the first portion or second portion, and the first portion and second portion are bistable in a closed state relative to one another and an open state relative to one another based at least partially on a surface profile of the biasing element applying a radial force to the leading edge.