Hinge Module Linking Rod Torque Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinge structures in portable electronic devices, such as notebook computers, fail to adequately support the force exerted on touch screens and manage cables effectively when the device is unfolded, requiring a design that balances structural strength and operating requirements.
Innovation Solution
A hinge module with a linkage assembly comprising a hinge, linking rod, and sleeve, where the linking rod slides into the sleeve, generating a torque through interfering sections to support the display body at specific angles, and an elastic member aids in easy unfolding and firm folding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a traditional hinge structure is used to connect the display assembly and host unit, then the device can be folded and unfolded, but the hinge cannot provide sufficient supporting force for the touch screen when unfolded
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge structure is segmented into multiple functional components: a hinge body, a linking rod with interfering sections, and a sleeve. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function - the hinge body provides basic rotation, the linking rod transmits motion and generates torque through interfering sections, and the sleeve guides and constrains the linking rod. This modular segmentation resolves the contradiction by distributing the supporting force function across multiple simple components rather than requiring a single complex hinge mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge structure employs dynamic elements including the linking rod that can slide within the sleeve and the interfering sections that engage at specific angles. The interfering sections on the linking rod interact with corresponding features on the sleeve to dynamically adjust torque based on the unfolded angle. This dynamic mechanism allows the hinge to provide variable supporting force - lower torque during folding/unfolding and higher torque when fully unfolded to support the touch screen, resolving the contradiction without adding overall structural complexity.
2Reliability
If the hinge structure is designed to provide strong supporting force, then the touch screen can be supported when unfolded, but the structure becomes too complex and difficult to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The linking rod features interfering sections with locally enhanced properties - these are specific angular regions with increased thickness or protrusions that engage with the sleeve to generate torque. The rest of the linking rod maintains a simpler, thinner profile. This local quality enhancement allows the structure to provide strong supporting force only where needed (at specific unfolded angles) while keeping the overall structure simple and easy to manufacture. The interfering sections are precisely located to engage only when the display assembly is unfolded to specific angles, providing reliability without universal complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple hinge structure is used, then the device is easy to manufacture, but it cannot support the force exerted on the touch screen by the user
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge structure merges multiple functions into a compact assembly: the hinge body provides rotation, the linking rod provides torque generation through interfering sections, and the sleeve provides guidance and constraint. These components work together as an integrated unit to provide both the simplicity of a basic hinge and the supporting force of a complex mechanism. The merging of these simple components resolves the contradiction by achieving strong supporting force through functional integration rather than through individual component complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic interaction between the linking rod and sleeve creates angle-dependent torque. The interfering sections on the linking rod engage with the sleeve at specific unfolded angles, dynamically increasing the supporting force when needed. During folding and unfolding, the interfering sections disengage, allowing smooth motion with low resistance. This dynamic behavior provides strong supporting force for touch screen operation while maintaining simple, easy-to-manufacture components throughout the structure.
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 module provides sufficient torque to support the display body at various angles, ensuring structural integrity and ease of operation, including when a user interacts with the touch screen, while allowing for stable folding and unfolding.
Implementation Method 1
The inner wall of the sleeve has at least one interfering section, wherein when the second end of the linking rod moves to the interfering section, the linking rod and the sleeve interferes with each other such that the first body is supported by the hinge module
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge module connected between a first body and a second body of an electronic device is provided. The hinge module includes a hinge connecting the first and the second bodies, a linking rod, and a sleeve pivoted to the second body. The linking rod has a first end connected to the first body and a second end slidably coupled into the sleeve. When the first and the second bodies are rotated by the hinge module, the first body drives the linking rod such that the second end slides in the sleeve and drives the sleeve to rotate relative to the second body. Inner wall of the sleeve has at least one interfering section. When the second end moves onto the interfering section, the linking rod is interfered to the sleeve, such that the first body is supported by the hinge module and opened relative to the second body.