Adjustable-Torque Display Stand With Tool-Free Spring Tensioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display stands with torque hinges struggle to maintain a desired tilt angle for items of varying weights, as the fixed force setting either overpowers or is overwhelmed by the item's weight, and torque hinges cannot be adjusted without tools or knowledge.
Innovation Solution
A tool-free adjustable torque system featuring a bar with left-hand and right-hand threaded portions and a grip for simultaneous rotation, allowing nuts to move in opposing directions to adjust spring tensions, enabling easy adjustment of the tilt angle without tools for items of different weights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a torque hinge with a fixed force setting is used, then the stand can maintain a stable tilt angle for items of expected weight, but it cannot accommodate items with weights that differ from the expected weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static fixed torque hinge into a dynamic adjustable system. The control bar with opposite-hand threaded portions allows the torque setting to be changed dynamically by rotating the control bar, which simultaneously moves both nuts to adjust spring tensions. This enables the system to adapt to different item weights while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables user self-adjustment without requiring tools or specialized knowledge. The control bar with grip portions allows users to directly manipulate the torque setting by hand, making the adjustment process intuitive and accessible to anyone regardless of technical expertise.
2Ease of operation
If a torque hinge with a fixed force setting is used, then the structure remains simple, but it requires tools and technical knowledge to adjust the torque setting
Solution Approach 1:
The control bar design with grip portions enables direct hand operation, eliminating the need for tools. Users can adjust the torque setting by simply rotating the control bar with their fingers, making the system self-serviceable and accessible to anyone without technical training.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the adjustment mechanism for both springs into a single control bar that simultaneously moves both nuts. This merging of adjustment functions into one unified control element reduces the time and complexity of adjustment, as users only need to manipulate one component rather than separately adjusting each spring.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the torque hinge force setting is fixed, then manufacturing and assembly are simplified, but the stand cannot maintain desired tilt angle for items with varying weights
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the torque adjustment system into modular components: a control bar with opposite-hand threaded portions, two nuts, and two springs. This segmentation allows for standardized manufacturing of individual parts that can be assembled together, maintaining ease of manufacture while enabling adjustable torque settings for different weight ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables parameter changes in torque setting through mechanical adjustment rather than requiring different manufacturing specifications. By changing the position of the nuts on the threaded control bar, users can modify the spring tension and thus the torque parameter to match different item weights, avoiding the need for multiple pre-configured hinge variants.
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 quick and easy adjustment of the viewing angle for a wide range of weights, ensuring the display stand maintains the desired tilt without requiring tools or technical knowledge.
Implementation Method 1
The bar includes a left-hand threaded portion, a right-hand threaded portion, and a grip configured to enable simultaneous rotation of the left-hand threaded portion and the right-hand threaded portion
Implementation Method 2
A first spring in tension is coupled to the first nut and to the platform, and a second spring in tension is coupled to the second nut and to the platform
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems of tool-free adjustment of torque used to maintain the viewing angle of a display stand are performed. In one exemplary embodiment, a method is performed by a device having a platform hingedly coupled to a base. A bar rotatably supported by the base includes a left-hand threaded portion, a right-hand threaded portion, and a grip configured to enable simultaneous rotation of both threaded portions. A first nut is in threaded engagement with the left-hand threaded portion, and a second nut is in threaded engagement with the right-hand threaded portion. A first spring is coupled to the first nut and the platform, and a second spring is coupled to the second nut and the platform. When the bar is rotated via the grip, the first and second nuts move in opposing directions to enable simultaneous tension adjustment of the first and second springs.