Free-Stop Hinge Alignment for Stable Display Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatus displays face issues with axis alignment due to eccentricity between rotation and free stop hinge axes, leading to instability in maintaining desired angles.
Innovation Solution
A hinge apparatus comprising a rotation axis device and a free stop hinge device, where the rotation axis device uses a curved protrusion to align with a combination groove, and the free stop hinge device employs a friction member with a corn-shaped cross-section and a coil spring to maintain the display at a desired angle, controlling eccentricity and ensuring stable positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a free stop hinge is used with rotation axis far away, then the display can be positioned within viewing angle, but eccentricity occurs between the two axes requiring axis alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary alignment mechanism consisting of a protrusion on the rotation axis that fits into a groove on the free stop hinge. This intermediary structure mediates between the two axes, automatically aligning them and eliminating the need for precise manual alignment while maintaining positioning flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric alignment features where the rotation axis has a protrusion that fits into a specifically shaped groove on the free stop hinge. This asymmetric design ensures proper orientation and alignment of the two axes, preventing eccentricity while allowing the display to be positioned at various viewing angles
2Reliability
If friction member with corn-shaped cross-section and coil spring are used, then stable positioning at desired angle is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the friction member by giving it a corn-shaped cross-section with multiple lobes. This shape modification increases the contact area and friction between the friction member and shaft, providing stable positioning at desired angles without requiring additional complex components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a curved, corn-shaped cross-section for the friction member instead of a simple cylindrical shape. This curved geometry creates multiple contact points with the shaft, enhancing friction-based positioning stability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that integrates into the existing hinge mechanism
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 solution effectively aligns and stabilizes the display at precise angles, reducing eccentricity and eliminating the need for frequent replacement of parts due to wear, thus enhancing the reliability and longevity of the display positioning mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a free stop hinge device (300) having the other side pivotally supported by the other side of the axis support part (11)
Implementation Method 2
the free stop hinge device employs a friction member with a corn-shaped cross-section and a coil spring to maintain the display at a desired angle
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge apparatus is provided. The hinge apparatus includes a rotation axis device configured to pivotably support a part of a display, and a free stop hinge device configured to pivotably support an other part of the display coaxially spaced apart from the part of the display. The rotation axis device includes a curved protrusion for controlling an eccentricity between a central axis line of the rotation axis device and a central axis line of the free stop hinge device.