Coaxial Ratchet Hinge for Stable Foldable Device Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable electronic devices with rotating shafts face instability and inability to maintain required angles between 0 and 180 degrees, leading to user inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
A rotating shaft apparatus featuring coaxially arranged first and second rotating mechanisms, each comprising a ratchet and tooth engagement structure, allowing for stable two-way relative rotation and multiple angular positioning of electronic device housings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple rotating shaft connects two electronic components, then the device structure is simple, but the components cannot maintain stable angles between 0 and 180 degrees and move like loose leaves
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating shaft is segmented into multiple functional components: a first rotating mechanism with a first ratchet and first tooth, and a second rotating mechanism with a second ratchet and second tooth. Each mechanism independently provides unidirectional rotation control, enabling stable angular positioning at multiple discrete angles while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The ratchet and tooth engagement structures act as intermediary elements between the two electronic components. These intermediaries enable controlled relative rotation by allowing movement in one direction while preventing reverse movement, thus providing stable angular positioning without requiring complex locking mechanisms
2Reliability
If ratchet and tooth engagement structures are added to enable stable angular positioning, then positioning performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second rotating mechanisms are coaxially arranged and merged into a single integrated rotating shaft apparatus. The first tooth and second ratchet are in stop-rotation connection, allowing the two mechanisms to work together in a compact configuration that provides reliable angular positioning without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The ratchet and tooth engagement structures serve multiple functions: they enable unidirectional rotation control, provide stable angular positioning at multiple discrete angles, and allow bidirectional relative rotation when both mechanisms are considered together. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components
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 solution enables durable and reliable maintenance of rotation angles, preventing shaking during relative rotation and enhancing the positioning performance of the rotating shaft apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a first rotating mechanism, including a first ratchet and a first tooth engaged with the first ratchet; the first tooth being rotatable with respect to the first ratchet in a first rotation direction, an engagement structure between the first tooth and the first ratchet making the first tooth stop rotating with respect to the first ratchet in a second rotation direction
Data Source
AI summary
A rotating shaft apparatus and an electronic device are provided, which include a first rotating mechanism and a second rotating mechanism. The first rotating mechanism includes a first ratchet and a first tooth. The first tooth can rotate with respect to the first ratchet in a first rotation direction. An engagement structure between the first tooth and the first ratchet makes the first tooth stop rotating in a second rotation direction. The first and second rotation directions are opposited. The second rotating mechanism is arranged coaxially with the first rotating mechanism, and includes a second ratchet and a second tooth. The second ratchet is in stop-rotation connection with the first tooth. The second tooth can rotate with respect to the second ratchet in the second rotation direction. An engagement structure between the second tooth and the second ratchet makes the second tooth stop rotating in the first rotation direction.