Hinge Assembly with Rack and Pinion for Portable Device Clipping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices face challenges in compact design and ease of use due to limited space for user input and output devices, requiring innovative solutions for housing and clipping mechanisms to enhance portability and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A two-part portable electronic device housing system with a hinge assembly that allows the device to fold and clip onto objects, utilizing a rack and pinion mechanism with over-centering springs to transition between open and folded positions, enabling secure attachment and reducing the need for external clips.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the device uses a traditional fixed housing design, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the device cannot be attached to objects and lacks portability enhancement
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into two separate parts: a first housing and a second housing. These segments can move relative to each other through the hinge assembly, enabling the device to transition between closed and open configurations for attaching to objects while maintaining manufacturing simplicity of individual components
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure transitions from a static fixed design to a dynamic configuration through the hinge assembly. The hinge allows the second housing to rotate relative to the first housing, providing adaptability for attaching to various objects while maintaining structural integrity
2Ease of operation
If the device includes a hinge assembly with rack and pinion mechanism, then the device can transition between open and folded positions for clipping, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The over-centering springs provide automatic self-latching functionality when the housing reaches the folded position. The mechanism self-locks without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems, maintaining ease of operation while limiting the increase in complexity to essential mechanical components only
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electronic actuators or motorized systems with a pure mechanical rack and pinion mechanism coupled with over-centering springs. This mechanical substitution simplifies the overall system by eliminating complex electronic controls while achieving reliable folded position locking
3Volume of moving object
If the device uses a compact folded design, then portability is enhanced, but the space for user input and output devices is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly enables the device to utilize three-dimensional space by allowing the second housing to rotate and fold relative to the first housing. When folded, the device achieves a compact profile suitable for portability, while the mating ends provide attachment capability to objects, effectively using spatial dimensions to resolve the contradiction between compactness and functionality
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 solution provides a compact, user-friendly, and aesthetically versatile device that can be easily attached to various objects, enhancing portability, privacy, and protection while minimizing the need for external carrying mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
over-centering springs to transition between open and folded positions
Implementation Method 2
rack and pinion mechanism with over-centering springs
Data Source
AI summary
A portable electronic device includes a hinge assembly comprising an axle, the hinge assembly coupling a first mating end of a first housing to a second mating end of a second housing, the second housing being movable relative to the first housing from an open position in which the axle is in a first position near to the first mating end and the second mating end and a folded position in which the axle is in a second position spaced from the first mating end and the second mating end such that the first mating end and the second mating end are movable toward one another to move the portable electronic device to a partially open position for clipping to an object; and a processor in electrical communication with electrical components in one of the first housing and the second housing.