Hinge Gear Mechanism for 180-Degree Foldable Display Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional collapsible electronic equipment with dual screens faces issues such as a wide gap between the cover and base when opened at 180 degrees, imperfect display alignment, and inability to maintain a predetermined position when inclined, making usage inconvenient.

Innovation Solution

A pivot structure comprising a gear mechanism, a first pivot assembly, and a second pivot assembly, with a gear set including a first gear, transmitting gears, and an end gear, allows the cover to be opened at 180 degrees relative to the base while maintaining a narrow gap and aligning display surfaces on the same plane, and keeps the cover at a predetermined angle, enhancing usability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the retaining structure is removed to enable 180-degree opening, then the cover can be opened at 180 degrees relative to the base, but the gap between the cover and base becomes wide

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveopening angleVSAvoidgap between cover and base
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

A connecting structure with a connecting board is introduced as an intermediary component between the cover and base. The connecting board extends in the opening direction and connects to pivot assemblies on both the base and cover, mediating the relationship between them to reduce the gap while enabling 180-degree opening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting board extends in the opening direction (perpendicular to the display surfaces) to reduce the gap, while the gear mechanism operates in a different dimensional space to control the opening angle. This multi-dimensional approach allows independent optimization of gap reduction and angle control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the retaining structure is removed to enable 180-degree opening, then the cover can be opened at 180 degrees, but the display surfaces of the cover and base are not located on the same plane

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveopening angleVSAvoidalignment of display surfaces
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting structure with the connecting board serves as a mediator that maintains the parallel relationship between the display surfaces of the cover and base. By connecting to pivot assemblies that rotate in parallel, the connecting board ensures the display surfaces remain on the same plane during opening motion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the retaining structure is removed to enable 180-degree opening, then the cover can be opened at 180 degrees, but the cover cannot be kept in a predetermined position when inclined

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveopening angleVSAvoidposition stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A gear mechanism provides feedback-based position control. The gear set includes a first gear connected to the base pivot assembly, transmitting gears, and a end gear connected to the cover pivot assembly. The interlocking teeth of the gears provide mechanical feedback that maintains the cover at predetermined angles and prevents unintended movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The pivot assemblies allow dynamic rotation at different stages of opening. The first pivot assembly rotates when the opening angle is less than a predetermined angle, while the second pivot assembly rotates when the opening angle is greater than or equal to the predetermined angle, enabling adaptive position control throughout the opening range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 enables convenient use of collapsible electronic equipment by allowing the cover to be opened at 180 degrees with a narrow gap and aligned displays, and maintains the cover at a desired angle, improving user experience.

Implementation Method 1

The gear mechanism is connected to the first pivot assembly and the second pivot assembly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGear mechanism: Gear

Data Source

PatentEP2546719B1Hinge for electronic device
Publication Date: 2016.12.28 ACER INC
  • EP2546719B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP2546719B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP2546719B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

A collapsible electronic equipment includes a pivot structure, a base and a cover. The pivot structure includes a first pivot assembly, a second pivot assembly, and a gear mechanism. The first pivot assembly is disposed on a side of the base. The second pivot assembly is disposed on a side of the cover. The gear mechanism is connected to the first pivot assembly and the second pivot assembly. The cover may be opened or closed relative to the base by the gear mechanism. When the cover is opened at 180 degrees relative to the base, the gap between the cover and the base is narrow, and the surfaces of the cover and the base are located on the same plane.