Foldable Device Hinge Structure for High Torque in a Slim Profile
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable electronic devices require a hinge structure that can resist high torque while maintaining a compact shape to ensure portability and stability at various angles.
Innovation Solution
A hinge structure with a friction mechanism using rotary members, arms, and a hinge assembly that provides high frictional force to support the housings during rotation, maintaining a slim profile without increasing thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the hinge structure is designed to resist high torque, then the torque resistance is improved, but the thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge structure is divided into multiple functional components: a housing, a rotary member with gear pattern, a cam structure with lobes, and friction plates. This segmentation allows each component to contribute specifically to torque resistance without requiring the entire structure to be thick, enabling high torque resistance while maintaining a slim profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam structure utilizes lobes that extend in a direction different from the primary rotation axis, creating torque resistance through a dimensional approach that doesn't increase thickness in the conventional direction. The friction plates are arranged between the cam lobes and rotary member, utilizing spatial arrangement to maximize frictional torque resistance within a compact thickness.
2Length of stationary object
If the hinge structure is designed to maintain a compact shape, then the thickness is reduced, but the torque resistance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The friction coefficient between the friction plates, cam lobes, and rotary member is optimized to provide sufficient torque resistance within a compact thickness. The gear pattern on the rotary member and corresponding gear recess in the cam structure are designed with specific tooth geometries that maximize mechanical advantage without increasing the overall thickness of the hinge assembly.
3Force
If the friction mechanism is enhanced to provide high frictional force, then the torque resistance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into integrated components: the cam structure simultaneously provides the cam lobes for friction engagement and the gear recess for mechanical coupling with the rotary member. The friction plates serve both as friction surfaces and as structural elements that transmit forces. This merging reduces the number of separate parts while maintaining high frictional force for torque resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam structure serves multiple functions: it provides the cam lobes that engage with friction plates to generate torque resistance, contains the gear recess that meshes with the rotary member's gear pattern for rotational coupling, and structurally supports the entire friction mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while achieving the desired frictional force.
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 structure stabilizes the electronic device at various angles by providing high frictional force, ensuring compactness and portability while resisting high torque.
Implementation Method 1
a first torque providing member (260a) including a first elastic member (263a) and at least one first friction plate (261a, 262a)... the at least one first friction plate (261a, 262a) and the second rotary shaft (252) to provide a frictional force
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A hinge structure is provided. The hinge structure includes a first rotary member connected with a first housing, a second rotary member connected with a second housing, a gear structure that makes the first rotary member and the second rotary member operate in conjunction with each other, a first arm connected with the first rotary member, a second arm connected with the second rotary member, a first torque providing member that fastens the first arm and the first rotary member, and a second torque providing member that fastens the second arm and the second rotary member.