Hinge Module Linkage Mechanism for Portable Device Rotation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The design of traditional hinges in portable electronic devices often results in mechanical interference during rotation, limiting the ability to achieve a favorable screen-to-body ratio and smooth opening and closing due to a fixed rotating radius and distance between shafts.

Innovation Solution

A hinge module with a linkage mechanism comprising a first and second rotating shaft and a linking rod, allowing the second rotating shaft to move closer to or further from the first rotating shaft as the device bodies rotate, thereby avoiding mechanical interference and enabling smooth opening and closing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed-type hinge with constant distance between rotating shafts is used, then the hinge structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but mechanical interference occurs during rotation limiting screen-to-body ratio

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescreen-to-body ratioVSAvoidhinge structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge module transforms the fixed-distance shaft connection into a dynamic variable-distance connection through a linkage mechanism. The second rotating shaft is connected to the first rotating shaft via a linking rod that can change its distance dynamically during rotation, allowing the hinge to adapt its geometry to avoid mechanical interference and achieve higher screen-to-body ratio while maintaining operational smoothness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the rotating radius of the hinge is limited, then the hinge structure remains compact, but mechanical interference between device bodies occurs during rotation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesmooth opening and closingVSAvoidhinge rotating radius
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge module changes the geometric parameters of the rotation mechanism by introducing a variable-distance linkage. The distance between the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft changes dynamically during rotation, allowing the mechanism to navigate around mechanical interference zones while maintaining a compact overall structure, thus achieving smooth opening and closing without increasing the hinge's stationary volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3796126B1Hinge module and portable electronic device
Publication Date: 2023.10.25 ACER INC
  • EP3796126B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3796126B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3796126B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

A hinge module (100) including a first bracket (110), a linking rod (134), and a second bracket (120). A first rotating shaft (131) is disposed on the first bracket (110). The linking rod (134) has a first end (134a) and a second end (134b) opposite to each other. The first end (134a) is pivoted to the first rotating shaft (131). A second rotating shaft (133) is disposed on the second bracket (120) and movably and pivotably connected to the first bracket (110). The second end (134b) of the linking rod (134) is pivoted to the second bracket (120). In a process where the first bracket (110) and the second bracket (120) are rotated relatively, the first rotating shaft (131) and the second rotating shaft (133) are moved close to or away from each other. A portable electronic device (10) is also disclosed.