Expansion Hinge Structure for Narrow-Gap Dual-Screen Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dual-screen portable electronic devices have a large spacing in the unfolded state, leading to poor image viewing and an unattractive appearance, necessitating a hinge solution that reduces spacing and enhances aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
An expansion hinge with a torque module, first and second brackets, sliding brackets, and elastic modules that allow for semi-automatic sliding and adjustment between pulled-out and pushed-in states, utilizing elastic force to reduce spacing between device bodies and facilitate image output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a traditional hinge is used to connect dual screens, then the device can be folded and unfolded, but the spacing between the two bodies is large, resulting in poor image viewing and unattractive appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge employs a dynamic structure with sliding brackets that can transition between extended and retracted positions. The sliding brackets move along guide rails within the torque module housing, allowing the hinge to adapt its length dynamically. This dynamic adjustment enables the hinge to reduce spacing between screens when needed while maintaining operational flexibility for folding and unfolding operations
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding brackets are nested within the torque module housing, with the second brackets positioned inside the sliding brackets. This nested arrangement allows the hinge components to be compactly stored within each other when in the retracted position, minimizing the overall spacing between the first and second bodies while still providing the necessary mechanical function for screen connection and movement
2Shape
If the hinge components are exposed in the spacing between dual screens, then the mechanical structure is visible, but the appearance becomes less attractive
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge utilizes a nested configuration where sliding brackets are positioned within the torque module housing and second brackets are positioned within the sliding brackets. This nested arrangement conceals the mechanical components within the device bodies, preventing them from being visible in the spacing between screens, thus maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance while preserving the full mechanical functionality of the hinge structure
3Length of moving object
If elastic modules are added to enable semi-automatic sliding, then the spacing can be reduced and appearance improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic modules provide self-service functionality by automatically pushing the sliding brackets and second brackets to form the pulled-out or pushed-in state without requiring external actuation. The elastic force stored in the modules autonomously drives the spacing adjustment mechanism, reducing the complexity of control systems while achieving the desired spacing reduction and appearance improvement
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 expansion hinge effectively reduces spacing between device bodies, improving image display and appearance by allowing the torque module to be hidden, enabling the device bodies to abut each other, thus enhancing the viewing experience and aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
each of the elastic modules is configured to push the respective sliding bracket and the respective second bracket to form a pulled-out state or a pushed-in state
Data Source
AI summary
An expansion hinge including a torque module, two first brackets, two sliding brackets, two second brackets and two elastic modules is provided. The torque module is configured to provide torques. The two first brackets are rotatably connected to two opposite ends of the torque module. The two sliding brackets are rotatably connected to the two opposite ends of the torque module. The two second brackets are slidably disposed in the two sliding brackets respectively. Each of the two elastic modules is disposed between the respective sliding bracket and the respective second bracket. The two sliding brackets are adapted to synchronously slide with respect to the two second brackets, and each of the elastic modules is configured to push the respective sliding bracket and the respective second bracket to form a pulled-out state or a pushed-in state.