Double-Axle Hinge Bevel-Gear Synchronization in Compact Foldables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hinges for foldable electronic devices require a large space due to multiple spur gears, making it difficult to minimize the device's size.
Innovation Solution
A hinge design featuring a base frame unit with rotatable axle units, synchronizing units with bevel gears, and movable bracket units that allow for synchronous rotations of the hinge shafts in opposite directions, reducing the space required for gear arrangements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple spur gears are used to achieve synchronous rotation of two axles, then the synchronous rotation function is achieved, but the space required for gear arrangement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple gear functions into a single integrated synchronizing component that simultaneously engages with both axles. This merging of gear elements into one unified structure achieves the synchronous rotation function while significantly reducing the space required compared to using multiple separate spur gears.
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronizing component utilizes a three-dimensional gear arrangement where teeth are distributed across multiple surfaces and angles. By transitioning from a planar gear arrangement to a spatial configuration, the patent achieves compact packaging that reduces the overall volume occupied by the gearing mechanism.
2Reliability
If multiple spur gears are arranged to rotate axles synchronously, then the rotation synchronization is achieved, but the device size cannot be minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronizing component is nested within the hinge assembly in a space-efficient manner, with gear elements arranged concentrically and radially to maximize space utilization. This nesting approach allows the synchronizing mechanism to be contained within a smaller overall device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs spatial gearing where the synchronizing component extends in multiple dimensions rather than occupying a large planar area. This three-dimensional arrangement of gear teeth allows for compact integration that minimizes the device's external dimensions.
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 minimizes the volume of the hinge, enabling a more compact foldable electronic device while maintaining synchronous rotation functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a first gear member which is rotatably mounted to the synchronizing seat about a gear axis parallel to the left-right direction and which extends in the left-right direction to have two end surfaces that are in form of bevel gears, and two second gear members each of which has a bevel gear portion that meshes with a respective one of the end surfaces of the first gear member
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge includes two rotatable axle units disposed on a base seat and each having two rotatable hinge shafts, two movable bracket units each including a base plate, two rotary blocks non-rotatably sleeved on the hinge shafts, and two movable plates movable relative to the rotary blocks, and two synchronizing units for making synchronous rotations of the hinge shafts. Each synchronizing unit includes a first gear member having two end surfaces in form of bevel gears, and two second gear members each meshing with the respective end surface and fitted to the respective rotary block. Rotations of the hinge shafts at one side of the base seat result in rotations of the rotary blocks and the second gear members, and bring in rotations of the second gear members, the rotary blocks and the hinge shafts at the other side to make the synchronous rotations.