Hinge Mechanism Torque Assembly Magnetic Calibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 360-degree hinges in notebook computers lack durability, failing to meet commercial or military standards, and require enhanced durability and reliability.

Innovation Solution

A hinge mechanism comprising a magnetic assembly, torque assembly, and calibration component, where the calibration component includes conical shafts and openings to ensure stability and torque generation, with a magnetic assembly providing a repulsive force to maintain torque and prevent elastic fatigue, and adjustment elements to calibrate manufacturing tolerances.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a 360-degree hinge mechanism is implemented to enable full rotation, then the versatility and functionality of the electronic device are improved, but the durability and reliability of the hinge deteriorate due to increased wear and mechanical stress

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotation capabilityVSAvoidhinge durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical elastic elements (springs) with a magnetic assembly that generates repulsive force through magnetic fields. This substitution eliminates mechanical fatigue and wear associated with elastic elements while maintaining the torque generation function, thereby improving hinge durability in 360-degree rotation applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a calibration component with conical shafts that can be adjusted to modify the gap between magnetic assemblies. By changing the positional parameter (gap distance), the magnetic repulsive force and resulting torque can be calibrated to optimal values, ensuring reliable operation under varying conditions and compensating for manufacturing tolerances

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Force

If traditional elastic elements are used to generate torque in the hinge mechanism, then the initial torque generation is sufficient, but the durability deteriorates due to elastic fatigue over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque generationVSAvoidservice life

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical elastic elements (springs) with a magnetic assembly that generates repulsive force through magnetic fields. This substitution eliminates mechanical fatigue and wear associated with elastic elements while maintaining the torque generation function, thereby improving hinge durability in 360-degree rotation applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic assembly provides continuous torque generation without degradation over time. The magnetic repulsive force is maintained consistently through the operational life of the hinge, with the calibration component enabling automatic compensation for wear through its conical geometry that maintains optimal gap spacing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If manufacturing tolerances are not compensated for, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the reliability deteriorates due to variability in torque and wear characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidtorque consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 mechanism achieves increased durability and reliability by maintaining torque over time, preventing early wear, and ensuring the electronic device can rotate 360 degrees smoothly, with automatic compensation for wear and adjustment for manufacturing tolerances, enhancing the overall durability and usability.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic assembly providing a repulsive force to maintain torque and prevent elastic fatigue

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic repulsion: Ion Repulsion/Attraction

Data Source

PatentUS10990137B2Electronic device and hinge mechanism of the same

Publication Date: 2021.04.27 ACER INC

AI summary

A hinge mechanism is provided. The hinge mechanism includes a base, a magnetic assembly, a torque assembly, and a calibration component. The magnetic assembly is disposed in the base. The torque assembly is connected to the base, and includes a substrate, a first cylinder, and a second cylinder. The substrate is disposed in the base. The first cylinder penetrates the substrate, and is rotatable relative to the substrate. The second cylinder penetrates the substrate, and is rotatable relative to the substrate and the first cylinder. The calibration component is disposed between the magnetic assembly and the torque assembly, and abuts an inner wall of the first cylinder, and an inner wall of the second cylinder.