Dual-Axis Camera Display Hinge to Prevent Tilt and Rubbing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image pickup apparatuses with a tiltable display unit experience reduced operability and compromised appearance quality due to tilting and rubbing against the housing when opening or closing, as the display unit's weight causes it to tilt, shifting the recess portion relative to the locking claw and leading to reduced usability and impaired aesthetics.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus features a hinge with two perpendicular rotation axes, a protrusion portion, and a biasing member to stabilize the display unit, engaging with a recess portion to maintain alignment and prevent tilting, while a sliding mechanism with low-friction ribs ensures smooth operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the display unit is made openable and closable by being supported at one side by a hinge, then the display unit can be opened and closed for operation, but the own weight of the display unit causes it to tilt so that the opposite side of the opening and closing axis is lowered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveopenability and closability of display unitVSAvoidtilting of display unit
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a counterweight mechanism that balances the weight distribution of the display unit. By adding a counterweight component, the tilting effect caused by the display unit's own weight is counteracted, allowing the display unit to remain stable in the closed state while still being openable and closable through the hinge mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a new dimension of stability by introducing a support structure that extends in a direction perpendicular to the hinge axis. This additional dimensional support prevents the display unit from tilting downward on the opposite side of the opening and closing axis, while maintaining the primary opening and closing functionality along the hinge axis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of manufacture

If the recess portion of the display unit is provided on the side surface on the opposite side of the opening and closing axis, then the display unit can be housed in the image pickup apparatus, but when the display unit is tilted, the position of the recess portion relative to the locking claw may shift, which reduces operability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehousing capability of display unitVSAvoidoperability when opening or closing
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by providing a support structure that prevents tilting before the display unit is fully housed. This support structure counteracts the tilting force that would otherwise cause the recess portion to shift relative to the locking claw, ensuring that the recess portion remains in the correct position for proper engagement with the locking claw throughout the housing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary support structure between the display unit and the housing. This intermediary structure serves as a mediator that maintains the correct positional relationship between the recess portion and locking claw while allowing the display unit to be housed. The support structure acts as a buffer that prevents direct contact and potential misalignment between the recess portion and locking claw.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the display unit is tilted, then the display unit can be opened or closed, but the display unit rubs against a wall surface of a housing section, which reduces the operability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveopening and closing motionVSAvoidfriction and rubbing against housing wall
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The counterweight mechanism prevents the display unit from tilting downward during opening and closing operations. By balancing the weight distribution, the display unit follows a smoother, more controlled path that reduces contact and friction against the housing wall surfaces, thereby reducing harmful frictional forces during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure acts as an intermediary that guides the display unit's movement during opening and closing. This intermediary structure ensures that the display unit moves along the intended path without directly contacting or rubbing against the housing wall surfaces, thereby reducing friction and wear during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If the display unit is tilted in a state of being housed in the image pickup apparatus main body, then the display unit can be opened or closed, but the appearance quality is impaired

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveopening and closing functionalityVSAvoidappearance quality of housed state
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The counterweight mechanism maintains the display unit in a horizontal, aesthetically pleasing position within the housing. By counteracting the tilting force, the display unit remains aligned with the housing surfaces, preserving the appearance quality while still allowing smooth opening and closing operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure serves as an intermediary that maintains the display unit's positional alignment within the housing. This intermediary structure ensures that the display unit remains visually aligned with the housing surfaces in the closed state, preserving appearance quality while enabling full opening and closing functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 configuration stabilizes the display unit, maintaining high appearance quality and enhancing operability by preventing tilting and reducing frictional wear, thus improving the overall user experience.

Implementation Method 1

a biasing member that is configured to bias the protrusion portion toward the first direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a hinge having a first rotation axis and a second rotation axis that are perpendicular to each other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHinge mechanism: Hinge

Data Source

PatentUS20250358496A1Image pickup apparatus capable of maintaining high appearance quality of housed state of display unit while suppressing deterioration in operability when opening or closing the display unit
Publication Date: 2025.11.20 CANON KK
  • US20250358496A1 patent drawing
  • US20250358496A1 patent drawing
  • US20250358496A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An image pickup apparatus that is capable of suppressing a deterioration in operability when opening or closing a display unit and is capable of maintaining a high appearance quality of a housed state of the display unit is provided. The image pickup apparatus includes an apparatus main body, and a display unit that has been attached to a rear surface side of the apparatus main body via a hinge having a first rotation axis and a second rotation axis that are perpendicular to each other. The apparatus main body includes a first housing section for housing the display unit, a second housing section for housing a battery, and a partition wall portion that isolates the first housing section and the second housing section. A holding mechanism for holding the display unit in the first housing section is provided on the partition wall portion and the display unit.