Dual-Screen Hinge Structure for Flush 360° Rotation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Large-sized display screens in electronic devices increase the overall device size, limiting miniaturization, and existing dual screen connecting structures protrude when screens are aligned and do not allow 360-degree rotation, affecting appearance and functionality.

Innovation Solution

A connecting structure comprising a hinge assembly with a worm gear mechanism, fixing members, and elastic units that enable zero to 360-degree rotation between two display screens without protrusion, using a worm gear system with disc springs for stability and aesthetics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a dual screen device is designed with a connecting structure to enable rotation between screens, then the versatility and display flexibility are improved, but the connecting structure protrudes out of the screens when disposed into one plane, affecting the appearance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay flexibilityVSAvoidappearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting structure is nested within the thickness of the first and second bodies, with the worm gear mechanism and wheels arranged such that they fit within the overall device profile. The fixing members extend into the connecting structure to secure it within the device housing, ensuring no protrusion while maintaining rotational capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotation mechanism operates in the angular dimension (0 to 360 degrees) while the connecting structure itself is constrained in the radial dimension to fit within the device thickness. This allows rotational versatility without increasing the device's external dimensions or creating protrusions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing connecting structures are used to rotate screens, then some rotation capability is achieved, but the rotation is limited and cannot achieve 360 degrees, restricting the functionality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotation capabilityVSAvoidconnecting structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The worm gear mechanism is extracted as a separate, dedicated component from the housing, allowing it to be optimized for full 360-degree rotation without compromising the structural integrity or appearance of the main device bodies. This separation enables complete rotational freedom while keeping the overall design clean.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Volume of moving object

If the connecting structure is designed to be compact, then the device size is reduced, but the stability and reliability of the rotation mechanism may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidrotation stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting structure merges multiple functions into a compact assembly: the worm gear provides both the rotation drive mechanism and structural support, the wheels serve as both rotation elements and positioning features, and the fixing members integrate securing and alignment functions. This consolidation achieves compactness without sacrificing rotational stability or reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables seamless 360-degree rotation of dual screens while maintaining a compact design, ensuring the connecting structure does not protrude, enhancing the device's appearance and usability by allowing full angular adjustment without compromising size.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWorm gear mechanism: Worm Drive

Implementation Method 2

A connecting structure comprising a hinge assembly (1) including a first wheel (11), a second wheel (12) and a worm (13) disposed between and engaged with the first wheel (11) and the second wheel (12), a first shaft body (2) including a first rotating shaft (21) extending through the first wheel (11), a second shaft body (3) including a second rotating shaft (31) extending through the second wheel (12), a fixing member (4) and an elastic unit (5) disposed on a side of the fixing member (4) away from the hinge assembly (1), wherein the first rotating shaft (21) extends through the elastic unit (5), the second rotating shaft (31) extends through the elastic unit (5)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11800669B2Connecting structure and electronic device having the same

Publication Date: 2023.10.24 CHIUN MAI COMM SYST INC

AI summary

A non-protruding connecting structure allowing zero to 360 degrees and any intermediate angle of relative rotation between two display screens includes a hinge assembly, a first shaft body, a second shaft body, and a fixing member. The hinge assembly includes first and second wheels sleeved on first and second shaft bodies, and an enmeshed worm engaged with the first and second wheels. A central axis of the first wheel is parallel to that of the second wheel. The axis of the worm is perpendicular to that of the first and second wheels. A rotation direction of the first wheel is opposite to that of the second wheel. The fixing member fixes the hinge assembly. An electronic device including the connecting structure is also disclosed.