Hinge Assembly With Pop-Up Opening and Rotation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinge mechanisms in computing devices lack efficient motion control features that allow for automatic opening and secure locking, leading to cumbersome user interactions and potential damage from improper alignment of device portions.
Innovation Solution
A hinge assembly with a user-controllable lock and a pop-up feature that automatically opens device portions upon release, utilizing a timing element and multi-lobe cams to control rotation and prevent damage, while a single spring provides both pop-up force and resistance based on orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a traditional hinge mechanism is used, then the device structure is simple, but it lacks automatic opening capability and motion control features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (locking, pop-up, motion control) into a single integrated hinge assembly. The hinge assembly includes a hinge shaft, multi-lobe cams, friction arms, and a spring mechanism all working together in one unit, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms and motion control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly automatically opens the device portions through its internal spring mechanism and cam-follower system without requiring external actuators or complex electronic controls. The user simply releases the lock, and the spring-driven cam mechanism automatically performs the opening action.
2Reliability
If a lock mechanism is added to secure device portions, then security is improved, but user interaction becomes more cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly automatically locks and unlocks the device portions through its cam mechanism. When the device portions are closed, the cam automatically engages the locking position. When opened, the cam automatically releases, providing hands-free locking and unlocking operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism is pre-loaded to store energy that automatically engages the locking position when the device portions are brought together. The lock mechanism is designed to automatically secure the portions in the closed position without requiring additional user action.
3Ease of operation
If device portions are allowed to rotate freely, then ease of operation is improved, but misalignment damage can occur
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly dynamically adjusts the friction resistance during rotation based on the position of the device portions. The friction arm engages with different portions of the cam lobes at different rotation angles, providing variable friction control that guides proper alignment while allowing smooth rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism provides mechanical feedback through its lobed structure. As the device portions rotate, the cam lobes engage and disengage the friction arms at specific angles, providing tactile feedback that guides the user through the correct rotation path and prevents misalignment damage.
4Force
If multiple springs are used to provide both pop-up force and rotation resistance, then force control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it stores energy for the pop-up action, provides rotation resistance through the cam-follower interaction, and enables controlled opening. A single spring-loaded cam system performs what would traditionally require multiple separate springs and actuators.
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 seamless and secure automatic opening of device portions, reducing user effort and minimizing damage by dynamically adjusting friction and force application throughout the rotation range.
Implementation Method 1
a spring positioned relative to the hinge guide and force transferring element. The spring can be oriented parallel to the axis and can apply elastic force to the friction arm
Implementation Method 2
The friction arm can be rotatable around the hinge shaft and can apply friction to the hinge shaft
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~2D
AI summary
Hinged electronic device including a hinge assembly coupling first and second device portions via a hinge shaft. The hinge assembly comprises an element that rotates around the shaft and moves linearly along an axis orthogonal to the shaft, under the action of a force generating element, so as to bias the device to a certain position and/or to create resistance to rotation.