Hinge Module With Differential Friction Curling Part

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices with existing hinge structures have a large thickness when display devices or cases are superimposed, limiting their flexibility and allowing only specified rotary motion angles.

Innovation Solution

A hinge module that connects multiple display devices or cases, allowing a slim coupled state and easy rotation to desired angles, while preventing twisting and facilitating signal line arrangement between devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a hinge structure is used to connect display devices or cases, then the devices can be arranged at various angles, but the thickness becomes large when devices are superimposed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearrangement flexibilityVSAvoidthickness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge module is inserted into a groove formed in the case, with the groove receiving the hinge module. This nesting arrangement allows the hinge structure to be concealed within the case thickness, reducing the overall thickness when display devices are superimposed while maintaining the ability to arrange devices at various angles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Stability of the object's composition

If a hinge structure with large thickness is used, then the connection is stable, but the devices cannot be easily rotated and maintained at specified angles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidrotation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge module includes a curling part that provides differential frictional forces to hinge shafts, enabling dynamic control of rotation. The curling part can be rotated relative to hinge shafts, allowing easy rotation to desired angles while maintaining stability at specified positions through friction control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The curling part changes the friction parameter dynamically by rotating relative to the hinge shafts. This allows the hinge to transition between easy rotation mode and stable position mode, enabling both easy rotation to desired angles and maintenance of specified angles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If a hinge structure is used to connect display devices, then the devices can rotate, but twisting occurs during rotation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotation capabilityVSAvoidtwisting prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The first and second hinge shafts have different diameters, and the curling part provides different frictional forces to each hinge shaft. This asymmetric design allows differential rotation of the hinge shafts, preventing twisting while enabling rotation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The curling part changes the friction parameter applied to each hinge shaft differently, allowing one hinge shaft to rotate before the other. This parameter change prevents simultaneous rotation that would cause twisting while maintaining overall rotation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If a hinge structure with complex arrangement is used, then the connection is secure, but signal lines are difficult to arrange between devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidsignal line arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge module extracts the complex mechanical connection function into a separate, self-contained unit that can be easily installed in the groove of the case. This separation simplifies the overall device structure and makes signal line arrangement between devices more straightforward while maintaining secure connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 flexible arrangement and maintenance of display devices at desired angles with reduced thickness, preventing twisting during rotation and simplifying signal line integration.

Implementation Method 1

a curling part that provides a frictional force to the first hinge shaft, at least a portion of which is inserted into the curling part, to allow the first hinge shaft to rotate with a first torque and provides a frictional force to the second hinge shaft, at least a portion of which is inserted into the curling part, to allow the second hinge shaft to rotate with a second torque different from the first torque

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3382497B1Hinge module, case and electronic device having same
Publication Date: 2021.07.21 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3382497B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3382497B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3382497B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

Disclosed are a hinge module, and a case and an electronic device that include the same. The hinge module includes a first case connection connected to a first case, a second case connection connected to a second case, a first hinge shaft having one end connected to the first case connection, a second hinge shaft having one end connected to the second case connection, and a curling part that provides a frictional force to the first hinge shaft, at least a portion of which is inserted into the curling part, to allow the first hinge shaft to rotate with a first torque and provides a frictional force to the second hinge shaft, at least a portion of which is inserted into the curling part, to allow the second hinge shaft to rotate with a second torque different from the first torque.