Hinge Structure Auto-Return Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hinge structures used in electronic devices suffer from friction decay, leading to a loss of auto-return functionality after folding, as the concave-convex resilient members wear out, and fail to maintain the expanded state without external force.
Innovation Solution
A hinge structure comprising a first and second bracket, fixing members, linking members, and resilient members that compress when folded, generating elastic forces to automatically return to the expanded state, with adjustable sliding grooves and linking bars to enhance durability and prevent finger nipping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a concave-convex resilient member is used to generate friction for the hinge structure, then the open/close function is achieved, but the friction causes abrasion and decay of the resilient member, leading to loss of auto-return functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge structure is divided into multiple independent components: two brackets, two linking bars, two sliding members, and two resilient members. Each resilient member independently provides elastic force to one linking bar, distributing the mechanical stress and avoiding concentrated wear on a single friction element. This segmentation allows the auto-return function to be maintained through elastic recovery rather than friction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the friction-based mechanical system with an elastic force-based system. Instead of relying on friction from concave-convex resilient members to enable open/close movement, the invention uses resilient members that compress during folding and then expand to automatically return the brackets to their original position. This substitution eliminates wear-related decay and maintains reliability over the product lifecycle.
2Ease of operation
If friction is generated by a concave-convex resilient member to enable folding, then the folding function is achieved, but the friction causes wear and reduces the lifespan of the hinge structure
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient members are positioned to compress beforehand during the folding process, storing elastic energy that will be used to drive the auto-return function. This pre-compression mechanism ensures that the folding action is smooth and controlled while preparing the elastic force needed for recovery, reducing impact and wear on the structural components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the wear-prone friction mechanism with an elastic recovery mechanism. The resilient members undergo reversible compression during folding and then expand to return the structure to its original state, eliminating the progressive wear that would otherwise occur with friction-based systems and significantly extending the hinge structure's lifespan.
3Device complexity
If the hinge structure uses a fixed design without adjustment features, then the structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to different usage scenarios and may cause finger nipping hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge structure incorporates adjustable features that allow the geometric parameters of the linking bars and resilient members to be modified based on different usage scenarios. This dynamic adjustability enables the hinge to adapt its movement characteristics and safety features, such as adjusting the closing speed or positioning, to prevent finger nipping while maintaining relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows for changes in key geometric parameters of the hinge structure, such as the length and positioning of linking bars, the stiffness of resilient members, and the configuration of sliding grooves. These parameter adjustments enable optimization of both safety (reducing finger nipping risk) and functionality (adapting to different usage scenarios) without fundamentally complicating the basic 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 hinge structure effectively maintains auto-return functionality, reduces friction decay, and enhances the lifespan of the hinge mechanism during life-cycle tests by utilizing elastic forces and adjustable design features.
Implementation Method 1
the first resilient member and the second resilient member are compressed, so as to generate elastic forces
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge structure includes a first bracket, a second bracket, a first fixing member connected to the first bracket, a second fixing member connected to the second bracket, a first linking member, a second linking member, a first resilient member, a second resilient member, a first linking bar pivotally connected to the second bracket, a second linking bar pivotally connected to the first bracket, a first sliding member and a second sliding member. The first linking member and the first resilient member are disposed on the first fixing member. The second linking member and the second resilient member are disposed on the second fixing member. The first linking bar is pivotally connected to the second linking bar. The first sliding member is connected to the first linking member and the first linking bar. The second sliding member is connected to the second linking member and the second linking bar.