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
Engineering 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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
Implementation Method 2
a hinge having a first rotation axis and a second rotation axis that are perpendicular to each other
Data Source
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.


