Hinge Module Electromagnetic Torque Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The wear behavior of cam structures in hinge modules of notebook computers shortens the lifetime by failing to maintain adequate torque for the touch input state, leading to instability during touch operations.
Innovation Solution
A hinge module incorporating an electromagnet and a magnetic element that can be axially moved along a shaft to increase rotational friction, enhancing the torque required for rotation between the first and second bodies, thereby addressing wear issues and improving stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a cam structure is adopted to increase torque in specific states, then the torque or resistance is increased, but the wear behavior shortens the lifetime of the hinge module
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cam structure with an electromagnetic system consisting of an electromagnet and a movable magnetic element. The electromagnet generates magnetic force to attract the magnetic element, which then presses against the second bracket to increase rotational friction and torque. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear while achieving the same torque-increasing function, thereby resolving the contradiction between torque enhancement and lifetime reduction.
2Force
If the cam structure is used to maintain torque, then the torque is maintained in specific states, but the wear behavior causes instability during touch operations
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic system replaces the wear-prone cam structure, eliminating the source of instability caused by wear. The magnetic element can be precisely controlled by the electromagnet to maintain consistent pressure on the second bracket, ensuring stable torque during touch operations without the degradation that occurs with mechanical wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and control parameters from mechanical cam engagement to electromagnetic force generation. By controlling the current to the electromagnet, the magnetic force can be precisely adjusted to maintain optimal torque levels, providing stability during touch operations that cannot be achieved with a fixed mechanical cam structure.
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 increases the torsion required for rotation, enhancing the stability and longevity of the hinge module by utilizing an electromagnetically driven magnetic element to adjust torque dynamically, ensuring stability during touch operations.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetic element is directly or indirectly installed on the shaft, and capable of being attracted or repelled with the electromagnet under the magnetic force of the electromagnet
Implementation Method 2
at least one of the electromagnet and the magnetic element is capable of being moved axially to a first position and to press the second bracket to increase a rotational friction, thereby increasing a torsion of a rotation of the second bracket relative to the first bracket
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge module is disposed between a first body and a second body. A first bracket is fixed on the first body to fix a shaft. A second bracket is fixed on the second body and passed through by the shaft, so that the second bracket can be rotated relative to the first bracket. An electromagnet is installed on the shaft. A magnetic element is installed on the shaft, and capable of being attracted or repelled with the electromagnet. At least one of the electromagnet and the magnetic element is capable of being moved along the shaft axially but substantially incapable of being rotated with the shaft as an axis. When the electromagnet is activated, at least one of the electromagnet and the magnetic element is axially moved to press the second bracket to increase a torque of a rotation of the second bracket relative to the first bracket.