Handheld Hinge Assembly with Nested Pivot and Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handheld electronic devices with foldable structures face challenges in having robust yet compact hinge mechanisms that protect the device's features without protruding from its form factor, as existing hinges are either too small and prone to damage or excessively large and bulky.
Innovation Solution
A hinge assembly with a primary member and secondary member that allows the device to pivot between open and closed positions, where the secondary member can be positioned to either reinforce the hinge in an unlocked state or secure the device in a locked state within the form factor, using a ball-and-socket interaction to maintain the device's compactness and protect its components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hinge mechanism is made robust to protect the device features, then the device durability is improved, but the hinge size becomes excessively large and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is divided into multiple components: a first hinge member coupled to the first portion, a second hinge member coupled to the second portion, and a pin member connecting them. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, achieving robustness through the combination of multiple smaller parts rather than a single large hinge structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin member is received within a cavity of the first hinge member, and the second hinge member rotates relative to the first hinge member about the pin member. This nested arrangement allows the hinge components to be compactly arranged within each other, providing structural robustness while minimizing the overall volume and preventing protrusion from the device form factor.
2Volume of moving object
If a hinge mechanism is made compact to fit within the form factor, then the device portability is improved, but the hinge becomes too small and susceptible to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly incorporates a spring member that provides biased force specifically at the locking interface between the second hinge member and the first portion. This localized application of mechanical advantage allows the compact hinge to achieve sufficient locking force and durability through optimized local mechanics rather than requiring a uniformly large structure throughout.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge utilizes rotational motion in multiple dimensions: the first portion rotates relative to the second portion about a first axis, and the second hinge member rotates relative to the first hinge member about a second axis that is transverse to the first axis. This multi-dimensional rotation allows the compact hinge to achieve the necessary mechanical advantage and robustness through spatial arrangement rather than increased size.
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 provides a robust and compact solution that protects the device's features by allowing it to be securely closed without protruding, while also enabling various orientations and functionalities, enhancing the device's durability and usability.
Implementation Method 1
using a ball-and-socket interaction to maintain the device's compactness
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge assembly for a handheld electronic device is provided. The hinge assembly includes a housing having a first portion and a second portion. The hinge assembly comprises a primary member structured to hingedly couple the first portion to the second portion and a secondary member coupled to, and generally pivotable about, the primary member.