Foldable Hinge Torque Linkage for Stable Multi-Angle Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile electronic devices lack flexible mechanisms to securely attach and rotate display panels to base portions, limiting user-adjustable viewing angles and potentially causing damage during rotation.
Innovation Solution
A foldable hinge system utilizing interconnected sliding links with curved rails and extruding prongs, forming a torque engine, allows for up to 180-degree rotation of display panels, providing adjustable viewing angles and secure attachment through a bracket and adhesive.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a display panel is attached to a base portion using rigid mechanical components, then structural stability is improved, but viewing angle flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge is divided into multiple sliding links (first sliding link, second sliding link, third sliding link) connected in series, allowing incremental rotation at each joint. This segmentation enables the display panel to achieve multiple viewing angles (0°, 45°, 90°, 135°, 180°) while maintaining structural stability through the interconnected rigid components.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic multi-position mechanism. The sliding links can move relative to each other along curved rails, enabling the system to adapt between fixed stable positions and flexible angle adjustments, resolving the contradiction between stability and versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the display panel is rotated to provide adjustable viewing angles, then viewing flexibility is improved, but risk of damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge design incorporates predetermined stop positions at 0°, 45°, 90°, 135°, and 180° through the geometric constraints of curved rails and extruding prongs. These pre-defined positions prevent over-rotation and accidental damage by limiting the rotation range, while still providing the desired viewing flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical structure includes inherent resistance to unintended movement through the interlocking sliding links and curved rail constraints. This preliminary anti-action prevents accidental damage by requiring deliberate force to move between positions, while allowing intentional angle adjustments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sliding links are interconnected to enable rotation, then viewing angle range is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each sliding link serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables rotation, defines stop positions through curved rails, and connects to adjacent links through extruding prongs. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, managing complexity while achieving a wide viewing angle range.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge combines multiple functions into integrated components: the curved rail serves as both a guide path and a stop mechanism, the extruding prong serves as both a connector and a position limiter, and the sliding link itself provides both structural support and rotational movement capability.
4Reliability
If the display panel is securely attached to prevent damage, then reliability is improved, but rotation flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is segmented into multiple discrete sliding links that can move independently relative to each other. This allows the display panel to remain securely attached to the first sliding link while the subsequent links provide the necessary rotation flexibility through their controlled movement along curved rails.
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 users to view display panels from a wide range of angles without risking damage, ensuring secure attachment and flexible positioning between base and display components.
Implementation Method 1
A foldable hinge can include a torque engine that enables the foldable hinge to rotate the display panel
Implementation Method 2
a display panel can be attached to the interconnected sliding links with a bracket and any suitable adhesive
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable hinge is described herein that includes a plurality of interconnected sliding links, wherein each of the interconnected sliding links comprise at least one curved extruding prong and at least one curved rail. The at least one curved rail of a first interconnected sliding link can be coupled to the at least one curved extruding prong of a second interconnected sliding link to form a torque engine. Additionally, the interconnected sliding links can be rotatable based on a pressure applied to the interconnected sliding links. The foldable hinge can also include a plurality of shafts coupled to the plurality of interconnected sliding links, wherein each shaft is coupled to a separate interconnected sliding link.