Hinge Synchronizing Unit with Rack and Pinion Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hinges require multiple gears for synchronous movement of rotary members, resulting in a large volume and free idle transmission due to gear backlashes.
Innovation Solution
A hinge design incorporating a synchronizing unit with a first and second rack, pinions, and transmitting assemblies that allow for opposite synchronizing rotations of rotary members, reducing the number of required pinions and minimizing volume and idle transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple gears are used for synchronous movement of rotary members, then the synchronous rotation function is achieved, but the volume of the hinge becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple gear functions into a single integrated synchronizing assembly. The synchronizing assembly includes a first gear meshing with a first rack and a second gear meshing with a second rack, where the racks are connected through a common transmission path. This integration reduces the number of separate gear components and minimizes the overall volume while maintaining the synchronous rotation function of the rotary members.
2Reliability
If multiple gears are used for synchronous movement, then the synchronous rotation is achieved, but free idle transmission occurs due to gear backlashes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the backlash problem by using a rack-and-pinion mechanism instead of multiple meshing gears. The rack members move in straight lines without the angular backlash inherent in gear teeth engagement. The synchronizing assembly uses the linear movement of racks converted to rotational movement, which removes the source of idle transmission and energy loss while maintaining synchronous operation.
3Volume of stationary object
If the number of pinions is reduced, then the volume is minimized, but the synchronous movement capability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the single synchronizing assembly perform multiple functions: it simultaneously controls both rotary members through the rack-and-pinion mechanism, provides synchronous movement capability, and minimizes volume. The first and second racks are connected through a common transmission path, allowing one synchronizing assembly to control multiple rotary members without requiring separate pinion gears for each, thus achieving multi-functionality with reduced component count.
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 design achieves synchronous rotation of rotary members with reduced volume and minimized idle transmission, enhancing the efficiency of the hinge mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
at least one pinion which is interposed between and meshes with the first and second racks to make opposite synchronizing movements of the first and second racks
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge includes first and second rotary members each rotatably mounted on a base seat about an axis in an axial direction between unfolded and folded positions, and a synchronizing unit including first and second racks which are movably mounted on the base seat in a lateral direction and respectively coupled with the first and second rotary members, and at least one pinion which is interposed between and meshes with the first and second racks to make opposite synchronizing movements of the first and second racks to transmit rotations of the first and second rotary members and the movements of the first and second racks to make opposite synchronizing rotations of the first and second rotary members.