Hinge Module Ball Guide Groove Axial Displacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices, such as notebook computers, face issues with friction and damage during closure due to minor offsets between display and keyboard bodies, while large gaps result in poor housing effects.
Innovation Solution
A hinge module comprising a first shaft member, a second shaft member, a sleeve, and at least one ball, where the first shaft member is rotatably inserted into the second shaft member along an axis, with a sleeve having guide grooves and gaps, allowing the ball to roll and change the distance between the two members, enabling smooth and safe rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a minor offset between the upper body and lower body is maintained, then the closing effect is improved, but friction occurs during rotation causing damage to components
Solution Approach 1:
The guide groove acts as an intermediary structure between the first shaft member and second shaft member. The ball rolling within the guide groove mediates the interaction between the two shaft members, enabling controlled relative movement that reduces friction and prevents damage while maintaining proper alignment for good closing effect
Solution Approach 2:
The guide groove changes the movement parameter from pure rotation to a combination of rotation and axial displacement. By allowing the shaft members to move along the axis while rotating, the system reduces friction and prevents damage to components during the rotation process
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a large gap between the upper body and lower body is created, then friction and damage are reduced, but the closing effect deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static gap to a dynamic adjustment mechanism. The ball rolling in the guide groove dynamically adjusts the distance between the first shaft member and second shaft member during rotation, allowing the system to maintain optimal spacing that reduces friction while ensuring good closing effect
3Device complexity
If the first shaft member is rotatably inserted in the second shaft member without displacement, then the structure is simple, but friction causes damage during rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The guide groove is segmented into different sections (first section and second section with different radii) that divide the rotation process into stages. This segmentation allows the ball to follow a controlled path that enables displacement between shaft members, reducing friction and damage while adding only moderate structural complexity
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 module allows for a controlled displacement between the display and keyboard bodies, reducing friction and damage, while maintaining a secure closure by adjusting the distance between them, thus enhancing the usability and durability of electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
the first shaft member is rotated around the axis relatively to the second shaft member by rolling the first ball in the guide groove
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge module including a first shaft member, a second shaft member, a sleeve and at least a first ball is provided. The first shaft member is rotatably inserted in the second shaft member along an axis. The sleeve disposed between the first shaft member and the second shaft member along the axis, and the sleeve is connected to the second shaft member. The sleeve has at least one guide groove, which extends around the axis and has at least one gap along the axis. The first ball disposed on the first shaft member, and the first ball rotatably coupled to the guide groove. When the first shaft member is relatively rotated with the second shaft member around the axis, the first shaft member relatively moves the gap along the axis by rolling the first ball in the guide groove. An electronic device is also provided.