Electromagnetic Hinge Torque Control for Portable Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hinge mechanisms for portable electronic devices, such as notebook PCs, face challenges in controlling opening/closing torque effectively, especially when the display unit size increases, leading to difficulties in lifting the cover with one hand and maintaining precise control over the torque.
Innovation Solution
A portable electronic apparatus featuring a hinge mechanism with an electromagnetic mechanism that adjusts the rotational resistance of a rotary shaft using an electromagnet and a permanent magnet, allowing for variable opening/closing torque by controlling the exciting current, enabling easy lifting and precise positioning of the cover.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the opening/closing torque is increased to support a larger display unit, then the cover can remain stable, but the main body is lifted up together with the cover making it difficult to open with one hand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional purely mechanical friction-based torque generation system with an electromagnetic mechanism. The electromagnet generates magnetic attraction force to provide the opening/closing torque, substituting the mechanical friction system. This allows precise control of torque without the side effect of lifting the main body, as the electromagnetic force can be independently controlled through current adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of torque control from fixed mechanical friction to variable electromagnetic force. By adjusting the exciting current to the electromagnet, the magnetic attraction force and thus the opening/closing torque can be dynamically changed. This parameter control enables the torque to be sufficient for stability while preventing unwanted lifting of the main body.
2Device complexity
If conventional friction-based hinge mechanisms are used, then the structure is simple, but the torque control is imprecise and cannot be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electromagnetic mechanism into the hinge system, replacing part of the mechanical torque generation with electromagnetic force. The electromagnet, permanent magnet, and yoke create a controllable magnetic field that provides precise torque control. This hybrid approach maintains relative structural simplicity while achieving precise and adjustable torque control that pure mechanical systems cannot provide.
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 easy lifting and smooth operation of the cover regardless of its weight, with adjustable torque to ensure secure closure and precise positioning, preventing the main body from being lifted inadvertently during cover opening.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic mechanism having an electromagnet which gives an attractive force to a permanent magnet
Implementation Method 2
the electromagnetic mechanism has an electromagnet which gives an attractive force to a permanent magnet provided to rotate together with the rotary shaft
Implementation Method 3
it is possible to obtain an opening/closing torque by a frictional resistance
Data Source
AI summary
The invention broadly contemplates an apparatus that makes it possible to easily lift up and open a notebook type computer cover irrespective of a weight of the cover and stop the cover at a predetermined opened/closed position. A portable electronic apparatus includes: a main body provided with an input operating portion, a cover provided with a display unit, a hinge mechanism including a rotary shaft fixed to the cover and a support member fixed to the main body. The apparatus includes an electromagnetic mechanism having a permanent magnet and an electromagnet, in which the permanent magnet and the electromagnet are disposed with respect to the rotary shaft so that when the current is applied or not applied to the electromagnet, a repulsive or attractive force is generated which allows the rotary shaft to be in a rotatable state, and thereby allow an opening/closing torque to act on the cover.