Double-Axis Hinge Cam Mechanism for Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Double-axis hinge devices in electronic devices have a large number of parts, making tolerance management complex and challenging, which affects their reliability and convenience in switching between various usage modes.
Innovation Solution
A double-axis hinge device is designed with a cam mechanism that allows two rotation axes, reducing the number of parts subject to tolerance management by interlocking with hinge devices at specific angles to enable seamless mode switching between viewing, typing, and tablet PC modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a double-axis hinge device is used to enable various usage modes, then the adaptability and versatility of the electronic device is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase due to the large number of parts requiring tolerance management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two hinge devices into a single integrated double-axis hinge device. The first hinge device provides rotation around a first hinge axis, while the second hinge device provides rotation around a second hinge axis perpendicular to the first. These two hinge mechanisms are merged into one unified structure that enables the display to achieve multiple usage modes (laptop mode, tablet mode, tent mode, etc.) through coordinated rotation around both axes, thereby reducing the total number of separate parts while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The double-axis hinge device serves multiple functions within a single mechanism. It simultaneously provides structural support, enables rotation around two perpendicular axes, and facilitates switching between various usage modes. The first hinge axis allows rotation for laptop and tent modes, while the second hinge axis enables tablet and stand modes, making the single hinge structure universally applicable to all usage scenarios
2Adaptability or versatility
If a double-axis hinge device with many parts is used, then the adaptability for various modes is improved, but the reliability decreases due to the complexity of tolerance management
Solution Approach 1:
By merging two separate hinge devices into one integrated double-axis hinge structure, the patent reduces the number of interfaces and connection points where tolerance accumulation could occur. The integrated design ensures that the first and second hinge mechanisms share common mounting structures and support elements, thereby minimizing the propagation of tolerance errors and improving overall reliability
Solution Approach 2:
While integrating the hinge mechanisms, the patent maintains functional segmentation by keeping the first hinge device and second hinge device as distinct operational modules within the unified structure. This allows independent optimization of each hinge mechanism's tolerance requirements while benefiting from the reduced overall part count, balancing reliability and adaptability
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 solution reduces the complexity of tolerance management, enhances product reliability, and allows for convenient switching between modes, improving user experience by simplifying the operation of electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
a cam, which receives a double-axis hinge device including a second hinge device parallel to the first hinge device and rotatably connecting the second housing and the double-axis hinge housing with reference to a second hinge-axis, is rotatably arranged between the first and the second hinge device
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
The invention provides an electronic device comprising: a first housing; a second housing; and a double-axis hinge housing connecting the first housing and the second housing such that the second housing can rotate from the first housing around a first hinge-axis or around a second hinge-axis that is parallel to the first hinge-axis, respectively. The double-axis hinge housing may contain a double-axis hinge device comprising a first hinge device connecting the first housing and the double-axis hinge housing such that the same can rotate around the first hinge-axis, and a second hinge device which is parallel to the first hinge device, and which connects the second housing and the double-axis hinge housing such that the same can rotate around the second hinge-axis. The double-axis hinge housing may comprise a cam arranged between the first and second hinge devices to be able to rotate. The cam may be set so as to interwork with the first hinge device at a first rotational angle such that the cam prevents a rotating operation of the first housing and allows a rotating operation of the second housing. The cam may be set so as to interwork with the second hinge device at a second rotational angle such that the cam prevents a rotating operation of the second housing and allows a rotating operation of the second housing.