Dual-Axis Hinge Assembly with Adjustable Pivot Distance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hinged electronic devices, such as laptops and flip mobile phones, often suffer damage when objects are accidentally placed between the display and main housings during closure or opening, leading to maintenance costs due to potential damage to the display or keyboard.
Innovation Solution
A dual-axis hinge assembly with a foldable linkage and elastic member that allows the pivot axes to adjust distance, enabling the shafts to slide along slots when a force greater than the elastic member's fixed force is applied, thereby preventing damage by increasing the distance between pivot axes when an object is present.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the distance between pivot axes is kept fixed, then the hinge assembly maintains stable structure, but damage occurs when objects are accidentally placed between housings during closure
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly transitions from a fixed pivot axis distance to a dynamic adjustable distance. The foldable linkage mechanism allows the distance between pivot axes to change based on operational conditions, enabling the shafts to slide along slots when objects are detected, thus preventing damage while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The foldable linkage acts as an intermediary mechanism between the two shafts. It mediates the interaction between the housings by providing a compliant structure that can absorb unexpected forces from objects placed between the housings, preventing direct transmission of damaging forces to the display or keyboard.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the shafts are fixed in position, then the hinge assembly is simple to manufacture, but it cannot adapt when force greater than elastic member's fixed force is applied
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is segmented into multiple independent components: two shafts, a foldable linkage with multiple links, elastic members, and slots. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using standard processes, then assembled together to create the adaptive functionality, balancing manufacturing ease with adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The foldable linkage is nested within the hinge assembly structure, with links positioned inside the casing and shafts passing through slots. The elastic members are integrated within the linkage structure. This nesting allows the complex adaptive mechanism to be compact while maintaining manufacturability through modular assembly.
3Reliability
If the distance between pivot axes is increased when object is present, then damage is prevented, but the hinge assembly requires additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The foldable linkage serves multiple functions: it acts as a structural connector between shafts, provides the mechanism for adjusting pivot axis distance, incorporates elastic members for force absorption, and enables the sliding motion of shafts along slots. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protective components, balancing reliability improvement with device complexity.
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 prevents damage to the display or keyboard by increasing the distance between pivot axes when an object is present, reducing maintenance costs and ensuring smooth operation.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member connected to the foldable linkage. In one example, the foldable linkage and the elastic member may enable the first shaft and the second shaft to slide along the first slot and the second slot
Data Source
AI summary
A dual-axis hinge assembly may include a casing defining a first slot and a second slot. Further, the dual-axis hinge assembly may include a first shaft and a second shaft received through the first and second slots, respectively. The first shaft and the second shaft may engage with a first housing and a second housing of an electronic device. Furthermore, dual-axis hinge assembly may include a foldable linkage disposed in the casing and connected between the first shaft and the second shaft. Furthermore, dual-axis hinge assembly may include an elastic member connected to the foldable linkage. The foldable linkage and the elastic member may enable the first shaft and the second shaft to slide along the first slot and the second slot to variably adjust a distance between a pivot axis of the first housing and a pivot axis of the second housing.