Cam-Controlled Hinge Adjustment for Stable Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing device components often fail to maintain adjusted positions due to loose securing, leading to unintended movement before final tightening, which results in inconsistent structural relationships.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a cam-controlled structural relationship adjustment assembly that interacts with a positioning loop to precisely and forcibly move one component relative to another, using cams and levers to apply high forces and maintain adjusted positions until final fastening.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If components are secured loosely to allow manual adjustment, then ease of operation is improved, but stability of the adjusted position deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of adjustmentVSAvoidstability of adjusted position
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The cam mechanism is pre-configured in the hinge assembly to automatically apply securing force when the hinge is closed. The cam profile is designed so that as the hinge closes, the cam rises and pushes against the positioning loop, pre-securing the components in the adjusted position before final fastening is complete.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The cam acts as an intermediary mechanism between the hinge motion and the securing force. Instead of directly tightening fasteners, the cam converts the closing motion of the hinge into a securing action that holds the components in place during adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If components are secured robustly to maintain adjusted position, then stability of the adjusted position is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of adjusted positionVSAvoidease of adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The securing mechanism is made dynamic through the cam's rotational movement. The cam can be rotated to different positions to provide different amounts of securing force, allowing the system to adapt between a loose state for adjustment and a secure state for maintaining the adjusted position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cam profile changes the geometric parameters of the hinge assembly during operation. As the cam rotates, it changes the position and force application characteristics, transitioning the system from an adjustable state to a secured state without requiring separate fastening operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If traditional manual adjustment methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of adjustment mechanismVSAvoidprecision of structural relationship
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge assembly performs its own adjustment and securing function through the integrated cam mechanism. The cam automatically positions and secures the components based on the hinge's closing motion, eliminating the need for separate manual adjustment operations and ensuring consistent precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustment and securing functions are merged into a single hinge assembly operation. The cam mechanism combines the positioning loop, cam profile, and hinge motion into one integrated system that achieves both adjustment and precise securing in a single action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 precise and robust adjustment of device components, ensuring that the adjusted positions are maintained until final tightening, overcoming the limitations of traditional manual adjustment methods.

Implementation Method 1

a cam that interacts with a positioning loop to precisely and forcibly move one component relative to another

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCam mechanism: Cam

Implementation Method 2

using cams and levers to apply high forces and maintain adjusted positions until final fastening

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLever mechanism: Lever

Data Source

PatentEP3999931B1Device cam-controlled adjustment
Publication Date: 2024.08.21 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • EP3999931B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3999931B1 patent drawingFigure 1B~1C
  • EP3999931B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The description relates to devices and device adjustment. One example can include a first portion that defines a cam pivot. The example can also include a height adjuster comprising a wedge and a positioning loop positioned over the cam pivot, such that rotation of a cam on the cam pivot to contact one cam follower of the positioning loop that moves the wedge toward another component or to contact an opposite cam follower of the positioning loop that moves the wedge away from the another component.