Hinge Assembly With Integrated Protrusion to Eliminate Pin Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of separate pin members in hinge assemblies for flexible electronic devices increases component count, manufacturing costs, and introduces errors, reducing the quality and efficiency of the hinge module.
Innovation Solution
A hinge assembly design that connects components without a separate pin member, utilizing a hinge bracket with an intermediate protrusion and through-holes, allowing for rotational movement about a middle axis, reducing the number of components and improving assembly quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate pin member is used to rotatably connect components to a bracket, then the hinge assembly can achieve rotational movement, but the number of components increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pin member function into the bracket structure by forming a protrusion directly on the bracket that serves as the rotational connection element. This eliminates the need for a separate pin member while maintaining the rotational movement capability between the cover and main body.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables rotational movement through the integrated protrusion, and serves as a mounting element. The protrusion itself acts as both the rotational axis and the connection element, reducing overall component count.
2Ease of operation
If a separate pin member is used to rotatably connect components to a bracket, then the hinge assembly can achieve rotational movement, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pin member functionality is merged into the bracket structure, reducing the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, inventoried, and assembled. This integration directly reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating separate production processes for the pin member.
Solution Approach 2:
The unnecessary pin member is extracted from the assembly, removing the associated manufacturing steps, material costs, and assembly operations while preserving the essential rotational movement function through the bracket's integrated protrusion.
3Ease of operation
If a separate pin member is used to rotatably connect components to a bracket, then the hinge assembly can achieve rotational movement, but errors accumulate and quality decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the rotational connection feature directly into the bracket, the patent reduces the number of interfaces and mating surfaces between components. This minimizes accumulated manufacturing errors and improves overall assembly quality and precision.
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
This design reduces manufacturing costs and weight while minimizing errors, enhancing the overall quality and efficiency of the hinge assembly.
Implementation Method 1
The intermediate protrusion may include a protrusion base having a first radius R1, and a head including a projection which is formed on the protrusion base and which has a second radius R2 greater than the first radius R1. The through-hole has a shape corresponding to a shape of the head.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
An electronic device includes a display, a first housing, a second housing and a hinge assembly configured to connect the first housing and the second housing, and having a pair of hinge axes. The hinge assembly includes a hinge bracket including an intermediate protrusion formed to protrude in a direction of a middle axis perpendicular to the pair of hinge axes, a pair of hinge structures connected to the hinge bracket to be rotatable about the pair of hinge axes, and an intermediate member including a through-hole into which the intermediate protrusion is inserted, to be rotatable about the middle axis with respect to the hinge bracket. The intermediate protrusion also includes a protrusion base having a first radius, and a head including a projection which is formed on the protrusion base and which has a second radius greater than the first radius.