Double-Axle Hinge Structure for Reduced Foldable Device Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional double-axle hinges in foldable electronic devices have excessive clearance that can interfere with the operation of the device, leading to adverse usage issues.
Innovation Solution
A hinge design featuring a base frame unit with guideways and rotatable axle units that allow for synchronized rotation between initial and stretched positions, adjusting the distance between device parts through shaft sliding slots and pivot pins, while using frictional plates and stabilizing blocks to maintain alignment and prevent unwanted movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional double-axle hinge design is used with two rotatable axle units connected to two casing parts, then the hinge allows opening and closing operations of the foldable electronic device, but excessive clearance exists between the two casing parts in the opened state which causes contact and collision during closing and opening operations
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge employs a dynamic mechanism where the connection between rotary members and support brackets is not fixed but changes state during operation. The connectioné¨ allows the support brackets to pivot relative to the rotary members, enabling the hinge to dynamically adjust the distance between casing parts throughout the opening/closing cycle, thereby reducing excessive clearance while maintaining smooth operation
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge changes the positional parameter of support brackets relative to rotary members during operation. By allowing the support brackets to pivot and adjust their position, the system dynamically modifies the distance between casing parts, transforming the static clearance problem into a controllable dynamic parameter that can be optimized for both reliability and ease of operation
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 design effectively reduces the clearance between device parts, enhancing the usability of foldable electronic devices by allowing precise adjustment and maintaining proper alignment, enabling smooth opening and closing operations.
Implementation Method 1
The guide key has a lower end that is slidably engaged in the guideway
Implementation Method 2
The second rotary member has a pivot hole which extends in the axial direction for rotatably receiving a respective one of the pivot pins
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge includes a base frame unit and two rotatable axle units. The base frame unit includes a base seat and a protective cover. The base seat has two guideways having upper and lower segments, and two shaft sliding slots. The protective cover has a base wall and two pivot pins. Each axle unit rotatably extends through the base seat, and includes a hinge shaft rotatably extending through the shaft sliding slot, a first rotary member non-rotatably fitted to the hinge shaft, a second rotary member connected with the first rotary member, and a support bracket non-rotatably fitted to the hinge shaft. The first rotary member has a guide key slidably engaged in the guideway. The second rotary member is pivoted to the pivot pin and has an engaging hole for receiving the guide key.