Hinge Assembly with Intermediate Gears for Flexible Display Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinge assemblies for computing devices lack a robust and efficient mechanism to smoothly transition between various orientations, such as notebook, tablet, and laptop modes, while ensuring durability and minimizing damage to flexible displays.
Innovation Solution
A hinge assembly with a processor, electronic components, and a gear system that includes intermediate gears and bridge components to securely position axles parallel to each other, allowing for smooth orientation changes and maintaining structural integrity across different modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a hinge assembly allows for orienting one portion with respect to another portion, then adaptability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential damage to flexible displays during transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hinge assembly with gear mechanisms as an intermediary between the first and second portions. The gears (including intermediate gears) act as mediators that control the relative movement and orientation between portions, enabling smooth transitions while protecting the flexible display from damage during orientation changes.
2Reliability
If a gear system with intermediate gears and bridge components is implemented, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is segmented into multiple functional components: first gear, intermediate gears, bridge components, and axles. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function (force transmission, orientation control, structural support) independently, improving overall reliability while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
Intermediate gears serve as mediators in the force transmission chain between the first gear and the second gear. These intermediate gears smooth out the transition forces and distribute mechanical stress, enhancing reliability without requiring a complete redesign of the entire mechanism.
3Stability of the object's composition
If bridge components securely position axles parallel to each other, then structural integrity is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge components are designed to self-align and securely position the axles in parallel configurations through their inherent geometric features and mechanical constraints. This self-positioning capability reduces the need for high-precision manual assembly while maintaining structural integrity and axle parallelism.
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
Enables seamless transitions between orientations, reduces risk of damage to flexible displays, and provides a durable mechanism for computing devices to adapt to multiple usage modes.
Implementation Method 1
a first gear where the first housing includes the processor; a second gear where the second housing includes the electronic component accessible by the processor
Implementation Method 2
a first intermediate gear that meshes with the first gear, a second intermediate gear that meshes with the second gear
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus can include a processor; an electronic component accessible by the processor; a first housing attached to a first axle that includes a first gear where the first housing includes the processor; a second housing attached to a second axle that includes a second gear where the second housing includes the electronic component accessible by the processor; and a hinge assembly that includes an intermediate axle that includes a first intermediate gear that meshes with the first gear, a second intermediate gear that meshes with the second gear, a first bridge component that securely positions the first axle parallel to the intermediate axle and a second bridge component that securely positions the second axle parallel to the intermediate axle.