Friction Hinge Assembly for Foldable Flat Display Base
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid crystal display (LCD) angle adjusting mechanisms are difficult to adjust without tools, restrict tilt angles, and hinder the panel's ability to be laid flat for space-efficient packaging.
Innovation Solution
A flat display device with a foldable base featuring a hinge assembly that provides varying friction forces to allow smooth rotation between upright, intermediate, and folded positions, enabling adjustable observation angles and space-saving design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional four linkage mechanism is used for angle adjustment, then the LCD panel can be adjusted to tilted positions, but the mechanism is difficult to adjust without tools and restricts the tilt angle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional four linkage mechanism with a friction-based hinge assembly. The hinge assembly uses friction pieces and resilient pieces to provide adjustable friction forces that enable angle adjustment without requiring tools or complex mechanical linkages. This substitution simplifies the mechanism while improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the friction parameter dynamically by using resilient pieces that can be compressed to adjust the friction force. This allows the hinge assembly to provide different friction levels for different adjustment scenarios, enabling both easy adjustment and stable positioning without complex mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional angle adjusting mechanism is used, then the LCD panel can be positioned at various angles, but the mechanism restricts the panel from being laid flat for space-efficient packaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic hinge assembly that can accommodate a wide range of angles from fully upright to fully folded positions. The friction-based mechanism allows continuous angle adjustment, enabling the panel to be laid flat for space-efficient packaging while also supporting tilted positions for viewing comfort during use.
3Ease of operation
If a hinge assembly with varying friction forces is used, then the panel can be easily adjusted between positions, but the mechanism becomes more complex with multiple friction pieces and resilient pieces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a compact hinge assembly where friction pieces, resilient pieces, and the bolt structure work together as an integrated system. The friction pieces are positioned to engage with the bolt, and the resilient pieces provide compressive force, creating a coordinated mechanism that achieves smooth rotation control without requiring separate complex 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 easy adjustment of observation angles with reduced tool dependency, allows the panel to be folded for space-efficient packaging, and minimizes material and shipping costs.
Implementation Method 1
A first friction force provided by the hinge assembly when the panel rotates between the first position and the third position is smaller than a second friction force provided by the hinge assembly when the panel rotates between the third position and the second position
Implementation Method 2
One of the resilient pieces has a plurality of extending branches pressing to the second friction piece, and enhancing an axial force for the second friction piece when the panel is rotated between the second position and the third position
Data Source
AI summary
A flat display device (2) has a foldable base (25). The flat display device includes a flat panel (21) pivoted to a base by a hinge assembly (23). The panel is capable of rotating with respect to the base between a position and a second position. A third position of the panel with respect to the base is intermediate between the first position and the second position. A first friction force provided by the hinge assembly when the panel rotates between the first position and the third position is smaller than a second friction force provided by the hinge assembly when the panel rotates between the third position and the second position.