Charging Case Lid Hinge Mechanism for Angle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional charging case hinge designs suffer from exposed torsion springs affecting appearance, poor torque control leading to unintended lid opening, and wear out issues with bumps limiting the opening angle, and large hinge structures that are not suitable for compact charging cases.
Innovation Solution
A novel charging case design featuring a slider and return mechanism with a guiding bump and rib structure that allows the lid to be held at a predetermined angle, using a recessed portion and return mechanism to maintain the lid's position, eliminating the need for large and exposed hinge structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a torsion spring is used in the hinge to keep the lid at a fixed angle, then the lid can be maintained at a predetermined position, but the torsion spring becomes exposed which negatively affects the appearance of the charging case
Solution Approach 1:
The torsion spring is extracted from the visible exterior and relocated to the interior of the charging case. The hinge structure now includes a housing that contains the torsion spring, separating the functional component from the aesthetic exterior surface, thus resolving the conflict between maintaining lid position stability and preserving appearance.
2Reliability
If the torque provided by the torsion spring is increased to prevent inadvertent opening, then the lid can be securely held, but the lid opens too fast when impacted, resulting in poor user experience
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge incorporates a dynamic torque adjustment mechanism where the effective torque varies with the lid opening angle. At closed positions, high torque prevents inadvertent opening, while at larger angles, the torque naturally decreases allowing controlled opening. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between secure closure and controlled opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge design changes the torque parameter as a function of the lid opening angle. The torsion spring is configured with specific mechanical characteristics that cause the torque to decrease non-linearly as the lid opens, providing high holding force at closed positions and reduced resistance during intentional opening, thus resolving the reliability-ease of operation contradiction.
3Ease of operation
If bumps are formed on the hinge to limit the maximum opening angle, then the lid opening angle can be controlled, but the bumps wear out over time and become unable to limit the opening angle
Solution Approach 1:
The opening angle limitation function is merged with the main hinge body structure rather than being a separate wearable bump component. The limitation is achieved through the geometric configuration of the hinge housing and lid connection, creating a fixed structural constraint that does not wear out, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
4Stability of the object's composition
If a hinge structure for eyeglass cases is used to keep the lid at a fixed angle, then the lid can be held at a predetermined position, but the hinge structure is too large for compact charging cases and is exposed which negatively affects appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The torsion spring is nested within the hinge housing, with the spring coils contained inside the hollow chamber of the hinge body. This nested arrangement allows the hinge to maintain the lid at a fixed angle while occupying minimal space and having no external visible components, resolving the contradiction between position stability and compact size.
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 design provides a stable and aesthetically pleasing solution by maintaining the lid at a fixed angle without wear and reducing the size of the hinge structure, enhancing user experience and appearance.
Implementation Method 1
The return mechanism includes a spring located inside the accommodating space and fitted on the extending portion
Data Source
AI summary
A charging case includes a main body, a lid and an actuating mechanism. The main body has an accommodating space extending along an axial direction. The lid is pivotably connected to the main body and has a guiding bump which swings as the lid is opened or closed. The actuating assembly includes a slider and a return mechanism. The slider is slidably disposed in the accommodating space and is configured to reciprocate along the axial direction as the guiding bump swings and pushes the slider. The return mechanism is connected to the slider and is configured to provide the slider with a force in the axial direction.