Dual-Shaft Cam Hinge for 360-Degree Foldable Device Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional foldable electronic devices, such as laptops, face challenges in achieving a 360-degree opening angle without compromising their appearance due to structural interference from the hinge module, which requires cutting or protruding parts to accommodate rotation.
Innovation Solution
A dual-shaft hinge module with a cam shaft that adjusts the vertical gap between the device bodies, allowing for smooth rotation and avoiding interference by pushing stop portions, enabling full 360-degree opening while maintaining a sleek design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the hinge module is designed to allow 360-degree rotation, then the opening angle is improved, but the appearance is worsened due to cutting or protruding parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cam shaft mechanism that operates in a vertical dimension perpendicular to the rotation plane. As the first body rotates around the hinge axis, the cam shaft converts rotational motion into vertical displacement, pushing the second body away from the first body to create clearance. This dimensional transformation allows the hinge to achieve full 360-degree rotation without requiring cuts or protrusions in the device housing, thereby maintaining a sleek appearance while enabling complete rotational capability.
2Shape
If the body is designed without avoidance space, then the appearance is improved, but the rotation is worsened due to structural interference
Solution Approach 1:
The cam shaft acts as an intermediary mechanism between the rotating first body and the stationary second body. Instead of allowing direct structural interference between the bodies during rotation, the cam shaft mediates the interaction by converting rotational motion into controlled vertical displacement. This intermediary mechanism pushes the second body away from the first body during rotation, eliminating structural interference while maintaining a compact design without avoidance spaces, thus preserving both appearance and rotation smoothness.
3Length of stationary object
If the cam shaft pushes the stop portions, then the body spacing is improved, but the device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The cam shaft mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it converts rotational motion to vertical displacement, creates body spacing to prevent interference, and enables full 360-degree rotation. By integrating these multiple functions into a single mechanical component, the patent avoids the need for separate mechanisms for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity despite the sophisticated motion control achieved. The dual-shaft hinge module achieves body spacing and rotation enablement through one unified mechanism rather than multiple independent components.
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 full 360-degree rotation without compromising the device's appearance, providing adequate space for other components and preventing structural interference, thus enhancing portability and usability.
Implementation Method 1
the second shaft is a cam shaft, and a cam portion of the cam shaft abuts between a pair of stop portions of the second body
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable electronic device including a first body, a second body, and a dual-shaft hinge module is provided. The second body has a first reference plane and a second reference plane opposite to each other. The dual-shaft hinge module has a first shaft and a second shaft that are connected to the first body and the second body respectively. The second shaft is a cam shaft. A cam portion of the cam shaft abuts between a pair of stop portions of the second body. The first body rotates relative to the second body through the dual-shaft hinge module. When the first body is switched from a state of overlapping the first reference plane to a state of overlapping the second reference plane, the cam portion pushes the stop portions to drive the second body away from the first body.