Hinge Assembly Linkage Mechanism for Tablet Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tablet computer hinge assemblies experience abrasion and reduced service life due to edge contact between the support plate and main body during rotation, leading to smooth operation issues.
Innovation Solution
A hinge assembly comprising a mounting seat, linkage unit, connection member, resilient unit, limiting unit, and torque unit, which allows for smooth rotation and prevents further rotation beyond a predetermined angle, reducing wear and tear by providing torsional resistance and utilizing a spring-out mechanism to maintain the support plate at a desired angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the support plate is rotated relative to the main body, then the tablet computer can be supported at different angles, but the support plate and main body abrade each other at the commencement of rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the support plate and main body. It includes a linkage unit with linkage plates and linkage spindles that mediate the rotational movement, preventing direct edge contact between the support plate and main body. The connection member with tubular pivot portion serves as another intermediary element that facilitates smooth rotation while isolating the abrasive contact points.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly segments the rotational movement into multiple controlled stages through the linkage unit. The first and second linkage sets with their respective positioning and movable portions divide the rotation path, ensuring that the support plate moves through defined angular positions without direct edge contact with the main body throughout the rotation range.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the linkage unit is allowed to rotate freely, then the support plate can move to any angle, but the support plate cannot be prevented from rotating beyond the desired angle
Solution Approach 1:
The limiting unit applies preliminary anti-action to prevent over-rotation before it occurs. The limiting plates with limiting portions are positioned in advance within the receiving space to counteract any rotational movement beyond the desired angle. When the linkage unit attempts to rotate past the predetermined angle, the limiting portions engage with the mounting seat to block further rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque unit provides feedback resistance during rotation. The torsion springs generate a restoring torque that opposes the rotational movement, giving tactile feedback to the user and automatically returning the linkage unit to its neutral position when the external force is removed, thereby maintaining positioning accuracy.
3Volume of moving object
If the support plate is received in the main body in a folded state, then the tablet computer has a compact form, but the support plate and main body abrade each other at the commencement of rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly with its linkage unit serves as an intermediary mechanism that enables the support plate to be received in the main body in a compact folded state while preventing direct edge contact. The linkage plates and spindles mediate the movement during both the folded and rotation states, isolating the support plate from abrasive contact with the main body throughout the entire operational cycle.
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 assembly alleviates abrasion and extends the service life by enabling smooth operation and controlled rotation, preventing edge contact and wear between the support plate and main body, thus maintaining the support plate's functionality and longevity.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient unit (4) connects between the mounting seat (1) and the linkage unit (2) to urge the linkage unit (2) to rotate to a spring-out state
Implementation Method 2
a resilient unit (4) connects between the mounting seat (1) and the linkage unit (2) to urge the linkage unit (2) to rotate
Implementation Method 3
a torque unit (6) is connected to the linkage unit (2) to provide a torsional resistance when the linkage unit (2) and the connection member (3) are rotated
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge assembly includes a mounting seat and a linkage unit in the mounting seat. A connection member is connected between first and second movable portions of the linkage unit by a linkage spindle. The linkage unit is able to rotate by a resilient unit to a spring-out state from a folded state. When the linkage unit reaches the spring-out state, further rotation of the linkage unit is stopped by a limiting unit. A torque spindle provides torsional resistance only when the linkage unit is rotated further from the spring-out state.