Hinge Device with Arc-Shaped Rotation Units for Extended Unfolding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hinge devices for displays like tablet computers limit the unfolding angle to less than 90 degrees, restricting the ability to rotate the supporter beyond a small inclined status and lack a freely immobilizing effect, making it difficult to achieve greater inclined positions and flat folding.
Innovation Solution
A hinge device utilizing two non-coaxially arranged arc-shaped rotation units with an arc-shaped channel and base, allowing sequential rotation and synchronously rotating mechanisms, along with a torque unit for freely immobilizing the supporter, enabling rotation beyond 90 degrees and flat folding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional hinge device with a core shaft and friction plate is used, then the positioning effect is provided, but the unfolding angle is limited to less than 90 degrees
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation mechanism is divided into two separate rotation units (first rotation unit with arc-shaped structure and second rotation unit with arc-shaped channel) instead of using a single core shaft. This segmentation allows each unit to rotate independently and sequentially, enabling the supporter to unfold beyond 90 degrees while maintaining structural manageability
Solution Approach 2:
The two rotation units are nested within the base structure, with the first rotation unit having an arc-shaped structure and the second rotation unit having an arc-shaped channel that receives the first rotation unit. This nesting arrangement allows the rotation units to be compactly housed within the base while still achieving extended rotation angles
2Adaptability or versatility
If the hinge device is designed for positioning effect, then the preset angle positioning is achieved, but the freely immobilizing effect is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge device transitions from a static positioning mechanism to a dynamic system where the two rotation units can rotate freely at any angle within their ranges. The first rotation unit rotates within the arc-shaped channel of the second rotation unit, and both can be positioned at arbitrary angles, providing continuous adaptability rather than fixed preset angles
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes from discrete preset angle positioning to continuous angle variation. The rotation units can be positioned at any angle within their respective arc ranges, allowing the supporter to be immobilized at any desired angle rather than being constrained to specific preset positions
3Ease of operation
If the supporter is unfolded at small inclined angle, then the positioning stability is maintained, but the ability to rotate beyond 90 degrees is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation range is segmented into two independent rotational movements. The first rotation unit provides rotation within a certain angle range, and the second rotation unit provides additional rotation range through its arc-shaped channel. This segmentation allows the total unfolding angle to exceed 90 degrees while maintaining stability at each rotational stage
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism adds another dimension of rotation by introducing two rotation units that can rotate sequentially. Instead of a single rotational axis with limited angle, the system uses two rotational degrees of freedom, allowing the supporter to achieve greater total rotation while maintaining stability through the nested structural design
4Ease of manufacture
If the hinge device structure is simplified, then the manufacturing ease is improved, but the volume reduction and hidden flat surface effect are not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The two rotation units are nested within the base structure, with the first rotation unit fitting within the arc-shaped channel of the second rotation unit. This nesting allows the rotation mechanism to be compactly housed within the base volume, achieving a hidden flat surface appearance when folded while maintaining the complexity of the dual rotation unit structure
Solution Approach 2:
The base structure is merged with the housing of the rotation units, and the two rotation units are combined in a nested arrangement. This merging reduces the overall volume of the hinge device compared to having separate components, and allows the mechanism to be hidden within the base when not in use
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 allows for greater rotation angles, provides a synchronously rotating effect, reduces volume, and offers a hidden flat surface appearance, enhancing assembly convenience and stability.
Implementation Method 1
two rotation units capable of working with each other and respectively formed with an arc-shaped structure and an arc-shaped channel which are not coaxially arranged with the rotation center line, so the two rotation units are able to in mutual contact at the axial side and provided with an effect of sequentially rotating in stages
Implementation Method 2
the core shaft of the hinge device is further installed with two interfering members (a.k.a. cams) capable of mutually pushing or being engaged; thus, the hinge device is the main component for enabling the tablet computer to be easily switched from a horizontal status to a vertical status
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge device includes two rotation units and a base capable of relatively rotating; one radial side of the base is formed with an arc-shaped recess in which an axial connection part is formed, one axial side of the arc-shaped recess is formed with an action space; the rotation units are respectively disposed in the action space and the arc-shaped recess, and axial sides thereof are respectively formed a first axial connection part and a second axial connection part and an arc-shaped structure and an arc-shaped channel, each axial connection part is connected to each other for allowing the rotation units to respectively move along the action space and the arc-shaped recess for being rotated in or out of the base; the rotation units can only be in contact at the axial side for forming a sequentially rotating status but also at a radial lateral circumference for synchronously rotating.