Foldable Hinge Cam Structure for Compact Free-Stop Torque Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinge apparatuses for foldable electronic devices are bulky and lack efficient pause and free stop operations, complicating their design and assembly.
Innovation Solution
A compact hinge apparatus with a cam structure that includes a bracket, body parts with cams, and a torque provision unit, allowing for direct torque delivery and elastic force application to facilitate pause and free stop operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a traditional hinge structure is used, then the hinge can provide basic rotation function, but the size becomes bulky and torque loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the torque provision function into the rotation part itself by forming a cam structure directly on the rotation part. This integration eliminates the need for separate torque provision mechanisms, reducing overall hinge volume while maintaining effective torque delivery to the display assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam structure acts as an intermediary between the rotation part and the follower, enabling efficient torque transmission. The cam profile converts rotational motion into controlled linear motion of the follower, which in turn provides pause and free stop operations while minimizing torque loss through optimized contact geometry.
2Ease of manufacture
If a simple hinge structure is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but pause and free stop operations cannot be implemented
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge is segmented into distinct functional components: a bracket, a rotation part with an integrated cam structure, and a follower. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using standard processes, then assembled together, achieving complex pause and free stop operations without proportionally increasing manufacturing difficulty or cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam structure introduces dynamic control into the hinge system, enabling variable torque characteristics during rotation. The cam profile is designed to provide high torque at specific angles for pause operations and controlled torque for free stop operations, achieving multiple operational modes from a single mechanical structure.
3Loss of energy
If torque is delivered through multiple components, then the torque transmission path is extended, but torque loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The torque provision function is merged directly into the rotation part through the cam structure, creating a short torque transmission path. The cam and follower arrangement provides direct mechanical advantage, transmitting torque from the rotation part to the display assembly with minimal intermediate components, thereby reducing torque loss.
4Volume of moving object
If a compact hinge design is pursued, then device size is reduced, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge is designed with clearly defined segmented components that can be manufactured using standard processes and then assembled through straightforward coupling mechanisms. The bracket, rotation part, and follower are separate entities with standardized interfaces, enabling efficient assembly despite the compact overall size and integrated cam structure.
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 hinge apparatus reduces torque loss, enables compact design, improves assembly productivity, and lowers unit costs while providing reliable pause and free stop functions.
Implementation Method 1
a pressurizing member disposed in the bracket between the first follower and the second follower and configured to provide an elastic force to the first follower and the second follower in opposite directions
Implementation Method 2
a first cam formed in the first rotation part... a second cam formed in the second rotation part... a first follower including a first cam part engaged with the first cam... a second follower including a second cam part engaged with the second cam
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge apparatus according to various embodiments may include: a bracket including a first coupling part formed in a first direction with respect to a middle of the bracket and a second coupling part formed in a second direction opposite to the first direction with respect to the middle of the bracket, a first body part including a first plate, a first rotation part coupled with the first plate fastened to the first coupling part of the bracket and configured to rotate about the bracket, and a first cam formed in the first rotation part, a second body part including a second plate, a second rotation part coupled with the second plate fastened to the second coupling part of the bracket and configured to rotate about the bracket, and a second cam formed in the second rotation part, and a torque provision unit, including a first follower including a first cam part engaged with the first cam structure and disposed in the bracket, a second follower including a second cam part engaged with the second cam structure and disposed in the bracket, and a pressurizing part disposed in the bracket between the first follower and the second follower and configured to provide an elastic force to the first follower and the second follower in opposite directions.