Free-Stop Hinge Mechanism for 360° Dual-Display Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dual-display devices face challenges with hinges that protrude and lack smooth operation, leading to loose connections and inability to maintain positions during rotation, as existing hinges are bulky and inefficient in accommodating thinner displays.
Innovation Solution
A hinge mechanism featuring flexible connection members following S-shaped paths with tensioning mechanisms, combined with friction hinges and gearing, allowing 360-degree rotation and free-stop functionality without protrusion, ensuring secure and smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional hinges are used in dual-display devices, then the hinge can provide basic rotational connection, but the hinge protrudes from the device and creates bulky appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is nested within the device profile by positioning the hinge body inside the device housing and allowing only the necessary rotational movement to extend slightly during operation, then retracting back within the profile, eliminating persistent protrusion
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge transitions from a static, always-protruding structure to a dynamic system that adjusts its position during rotation, extending only when necessary for rotational movement and retracting to maintain a flush appearance at rest positions
2Ease of operation
If traditional hinges are used in dual-display devices, then the hinge can connect displays, but the connection feels loose due to excess slack
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge modifies the physical parameters of the connection by eliminating excess slack through pre-tensioning mechanisms and optimizing the rotational path geometry, transforming the connection from loose to firm while maintaining smooth movement
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge follows a controlled curved rotational path rather than a straight linear movement, allowing the connection to remain taut and stable throughout the rotation while maintaining aesthetic appearance and connection reliability
3Ease of operation
If traditional hinges are used in dual-display devices, then the hinge can enable display rotation, but the operation is not smooth
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge replaces traditional mechanical friction-based resistance with a guided rotational mechanism that follows a predetermined S-shaped path, substituting rough mechanical interaction with smooth geometric constraint
Solution Approach 2:
The S-shaped rotational path provides continuous smooth curvature transitions throughout the rotation range, eliminating abrupt angular changes and mechanical binding that cause rough operation, enabling fluid display movement
4Ease of operation
If traditional hinges are used in dual-display devices, then the hinge can provide rotational movement, but the displays cannot be stopped at any position
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge incorporates a free-stop mechanism that automatically allows the displays to be held at any desired position without requiring external intervention, the mechanism self-adjusts to maintain position through controlled friction and geometric constraints
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge transitions from a fixed-position mechanism to a dynamic free-stop system that can maintain equilibrium at any angle through controlled friction and gravitational balance, allowing versatile positioning
5Adaptability or versatility
If friction hinges are used to provide free-stop function, then the hinge can stop displays at any position, but the hinge becomes bulky and protrudes
Solution Approach 1:
The free-stop mechanism is nested within the device profile by integrating the friction control elements inside the hinge assembly and device housing, allowing the stopping function to operate without adding external bulk or protrusion
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge uses controlled friction parameters and optimized geometric constraints to achieve free-stop functionality with minimal dimensional increase, transforming the mechanism from bulky to compact while maintaining position-holding capability
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 provides a compact, stable, and adjustable hinge system that maintains tension and allows free-stop at any position, addressing the issues of protrusion, loose connections, and smooth operation in dual-display devices.
Implementation Method 1
A screw can be threaded through the hinge lug and push on the termination block so as to create tension in the first and second flexible connection members
Implementation Method 2
Alternatively, a spring can be used in conjunction with the termination block to create tension in the flexible connection members
Implementation Method 3
Torque or friction hinges are known and offer resistance to a pivoting motion
Data Source
AI summary
Technologies are described for a hinge mechanism coupled to at least a dual-display device wherein the displays can rotate with respect to each other through 360 degrees. The hinge mechanism has at least one flexible connection member that follows a generally S-shaped path when the displays are in a tablet position. In some embodiments, a second flexible connection member can be added that follows a mirrored S-shaped path. The S-shaped path of the first flexible connection member and the mirrored S-shape path of the second flexible connection member together create a cross-configuration. In other embodiments, interconnected friction hinges can allow for a free-stop function at any point along the 360 degrees of rotation.