Dual-Display Hinge with S-Shaped Connections for 360-Degree Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern mobile devices with dual displays face challenges such as protrusion, slack, and uneven opening/closing due to traditional hinges, which are bulky and lack smooth operation and free-stop functionality.
Innovation Solution
A hinge mechanism with flexible connection members following S-shaped paths and friction hinges, allowing 360-degree rotation with tension adjustment and free-stop capabilities, ensuring the displays remain connected without protrusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional hinges are used to connect dual displays, then the displays can be connected and rotated, but the hinges protrude from the device and create bulkiness
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible connection member is nested within a channel structure formed by the hinge lugs. The channel receives and constrains the flexible connection member, allowing it to bend and rotate while remaining contained within the hinge assembly boundaries, preventing protrusion from the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flexible connection member (wire, cable, or flat strip) that can bend and deform elastically to accommodate the rotation between displays. This flexible element replaces traditional rigid hinge mechanisms, enabling smooth rotation without requiring bulky mechanical joints that would protrude from the device.
2Ease of operation
If traditional hinges are used, then the displays can be connected, but excess slack makes the displays feel loosely connected
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible connection member is pre-tensioned by threading it through the channel and securing it at the far end. This preliminary tensioning action eliminates excess slack before the displays begin to rotate, ensuring a firm and stable connection between the displays throughout the rotation range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts the tension parameter of the flexible connection member by selecting appropriate material properties, cross-sectional area, and pre-tensioning force. By changing these parameters, the system achieves optimal balance between flexibility for rotation and sufficient tension to eliminate slack and provide firm connection.
3Ease of operation
If traditional hinges are used, then the displays can rotate, but they do not open and close smoothly
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible connection member acts as a continuous, compliant element that smoothly transmits force and motion between the displays during rotation. Unlike segmented mechanical hinges with joints and clearances, this flexible element provides continuous contact and force distribution, resulting in smooth opening and closing motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible connection member is allowed to bend into curved shapes as the displays rotate. The channel in the hinge lug guides this curvature, ensuring the flexible member follows a smooth arc-shaped path. This curved deformation mode enables smooth rotational motion without the abrupt transitions associated with rigid mechanical joints.
4Adaptability or versatility
If traditional hinges are used, then the displays can be connected, but they cannot be stopped in any position during rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible connection member itself provides the free-stop functionality through its elastic properties. When the displays are rotated to any position and released, the tensioned flexible member naturally holds the position due to its elastic deformation, eliminating the need for additional mechanical stops or locking mechanisms. The system serves itself by using the flexible member's inherent properties to provide positioning capability.
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 hinge mechanism provides stable, smooth operation and allows the dual displays to be positioned freely at any angle, addressing the issues of protrusion and uneven movement in traditional hinges.
Implementation Method 1
at least one flexible connection member that follows a generally S-shaped path when the displays are in a tablet position
Implementation Method 2
Torque or friction hinges are known and offer resistance to a pivoting motion
Implementation Method 3
A screw can be threaded through the hinge lug and push on the termination block so as to create tension in the first and second flexible connection members
Data Source
AI summary
Technologies are described for a hinge mechanism coupled to at least a dual-display device wherein the displays can rotate with respect to each other through 360 degrees. The hinge mechanism has at least one flexible connection member that follows a generally S-shaped path when the displays are in a tablet position. In some embodiments, a second flexible connection member can be added that follows a mirrored S-shaped path. The S-shaped path of the first flexible connection member and the mirrored S-shape path of the second flexible connection member together create a cross-configuration. In other embodiments, interconnected friction hinges can allow for a free-stop function at any point along the 360 degrees of rotation.