Dual-Axis Torque Hinge With Asymmetric Friction Sequencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dual-axis torque hinges face challenges in sequentially moving the first and second shafts to smoothly open and close the second main body with respect to the first main body.
Innovation Solution
The dual-axis torque hinge incorporates stacked friction elements with arms wound around the shafts, where the tightening torque is greater than the loosening torque, allowing for simultaneous action of tightening and loosening torques on the first and second shafts to facilitate sequential movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If friction elements with equal tightening and loosening torque are used, then the hinge can maintain opening angles and reduce impact, but the shafts cannot be sequentially moved for smooth opening and closing
Solution Approach 1:
The friction elements are designed with asymmetric torque characteristics where tightening torque differs from loosening torque. Specifically, the friction elements engage with the shafts such that when one shaft is being tightened, the other is being loosened with different torque values, enabling sequential movement while maintaining control and reducing impact
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the torque parameter of the friction elements by adjusting the friction coefficient through material selection or surface treatment. This allows the tightening torque and loosening torque to have different magnitudes, creating the differential torque needed for sequential shaft movement while maintaining reliable operation
2Length of moving object
If dual-axis configuration is used to increase opening angle, then the opening angle increases, but the complexity of sequential shaft movement control increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control of two shafts into a single integrated friction element system. The first and second friction elements work together such that rotation of one shaft automatically influences the other through the shared friction mechanism, simplifying the control complexity while maintaining the dual-axis opening angle capability
Solution Approach 2:
The friction elements act as intermediaries between the two shafts, mediating their relative movements. By controlling the friction characteristics, the system enables sequential movement where one shaft moves while the other remains relatively stationary, then vice versa, without requiring complex independent control mechanisms
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 configuration enables the sequential movement of the first and second shafts, ensuring smooth opening and closing of the second main body relative to the first main body by utilizing the differential torques, maintaining control and reducing impact.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of stacked first friction elements which engage with the first shaft; and a plurality of stacked second friction elements which engage with the second shaft
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a dual-axis torque hinge capable of moving a first shaft and a second shaft one by one in order. The dual-axis torque hinge includes a plurality of stacked first friction elements (6) which engage with the first shaft (4) and a plurality of stacked second friction elements (7) which engage with the second shaft (5). Each of the first friction elements (6) has an arm (6a) wound around the first shaft (4), and is configured in a manner such that tightening torque at the time of a relative rotation of the first shaft (4) with respect to the first friction element (6) in a tightening direction is greater than loosening torque at the time of the relative rotation of the first shaft (4) with respect to the first friction element (6) in a loosening direction. Each of the second friction elements (7) has an arm (7a), and is configured in a manner such that tightening torque at the time of a relative rotation of the second shaft (5) with respect to the second friction element (7) in a tightening direction is greater than loosening torque at the time of the relative rotation of the second shaft (5) with respect to the second friction element (7) in a loosening direction. When a second main body (2) rotates in one direction relative to a first main body (1), the tightening torque acts on one of the first shaft (4) and the second shaft (5), and the loosening torque acts on the other of the first shaft (4) and the second shaft (5).