Cam Hinge Mechanism for Compact State Detection in Foldable Electronics
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices with opening-and-closing units, such as digital video cameras, face challenges in compactly detecting the opening and closing state due to limited space constraints within the housing.
Innovation Solution
A compact mechanism utilizing a hinge unit with a cam groove and an opening-and-closing lever that converts rotational movement into parallel movement along the housing side surface, coupled with an electronic control circuit board and switch, allows for detection of the opening-and-closing state without requiring orthogonal space for the detection mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a conventional detection mechanism is used for opening-and-closing units, then the detection function is achieved, but the mechanism occupies excessive space within the housing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the detection mechanism with the hinge unit by integrating a cam groove directly into the hinge structure. The movable member moves along this cam groove to activate the switch, combining the hinge's rotational function with the detection function into a single integrated component, thereby eliminating the need for separate detection mechanism space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the movement dimension from orthogonal (perpendicular to housing side surface) to parallel (along the housing side surface). The movable member travels parallel to the housing side surface along the cam groove, allowing the detection mechanism to fit within the limited space without requiring additional orthogonal depth.
2Productivity
If the hinge unit and control circuit board are spaced apart, then the housing layout is flexible, but the detection mechanism becomes complex and larger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a movable member as an intermediary element that bridges the gap between the hinge unit and the control circuit board. This movable member travels along the cam groove and transmits the hinge's rotational movement to the switch on the circuit board, enabling detection functionality even when the hinge and circuit board are spaced apart, without increasing mechanism complexity.
3Measurement precision
If the movable member moves orthogonally to the housing side surface, then the switch state changes are detected, but the mechanism requires more internal space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent redirects the movement of the movable member from an orthogonal direction (perpendicular to housing side surface) to a parallel direction (along the housing side surface). The cam groove is designed to convert the hinge's rotational movement into linear movement parallel to the housing surface, maintaining precise switch activation while minimizing space requirements.
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
Enables efficient detection of the opening-and-closing state within limited housing spaces, ensuring the mechanism remains compact and functional, even when the hinge unit and control circuit board are spaced apart.
Implementation Method 1
a hinge unit configured to have a cam groove formed thereon and openably and closably couple the opening-and-closing unit with the housing
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a housing, an opening-and-closing unit disposed on a side surface of the housing, and configured to be openable and closable to the housing, a hinge unit configured to have a cam groove formed thereon and to openably and closably couple the opening-and-closing unit with the housing, an electronic circuit board arranged inside the housing and having a switch which outputs a signal corresponding to a state of the switch, and a movable member that moves in conjunction with the cam groove formed in the hinge unit, along with the opening and closing of the opening-and-closing unit, the movable member being movable in a direction parallel to the side surface of the housing to change the state of the switch.