Hinge Connector Rotation Control Unit Prevents Cover Scuffing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Devices with hinge connectors face issues of scuffing and wear due to gravitational closure, which can damage the cover and base units, and require additional components like rubber bumpers or protective coatings to mitigate these issues, increasing thickness and cost.
Innovation Solution
A rotation control unit is integrated into the base unit, featuring a mechanical arrangement that interacts with the hinge shaft to halt free-rotation at a predefined angle, preventing scuffing and eliminating the need for rubber bumpers and protective coatings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rubber bumpers or protective coatings are added to prevent scuffing, then protection against scuffing and wear is improved, but device thickness increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge connector is designed to automatically halt the closing motion of the cover unit before it contacts the base unit. The rotation control unit stops the hinge shaft at a predefined angle, preventing the harmful impact before it occurs. This preliminary action eliminates the need for protective bumpers or coatings.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention removes the need for additional protective components (rubber bumpers, protective coatings) by integrating a rotation control function directly into the hinge connector mechanism. This extracts the protective function from separate components and embeds it in the existing hinge structure.
2Reliability
If rubber bumpers or protective coatings are added to prevent scuffing, then protection against scuffing and wear is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge connector is designed to perform multiple functions: it enables pivoting motion of the cover unit and simultaneously controls the closing angle to prevent scuffing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate protective components, reducing manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation control function is merged with the hinge connector structure. The rotation control unit and hinge shaft work together as an integrated mechanism, combining the pivoting function and the angle control function into a single unified structure.
3Ease of operation
If the hinge shaft is allowed to free-rotate under gravity, then automatic closing of the cover unit is improved, but scuffing and damage to the units occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation control unit applies a counteracting force to the gravitational force that causes the cover unit to close. When the hinge shaft reaches the predefined angle, the rotation control unit engages to prevent further rotation, counteracting the gravitational pull and preventing the cover unit from impacting the base unit.
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 effectively prevents scuffing and damage to the units while maintaining a minimal device thickness and reducing costs by controlling the hinge shaft's rotation, thus enhancing the device's durability and aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
Free-rotation of the hinge shaft may refer to a rotation of the hinge shaft under the influence of gravitational force acting on the cover unit, when the cover unit is near the closing position
Data Source
AI summary
The present subject matter relates to hinge connectors with rotation control units. In an example, a hinge connector may couple a base unit with a cover unit of a device. The hinge connector includes hinge shaft. The rotation control unit is to control the rotation of the hinge shaft and stop a free-rotation of the hinge shaft at a predefined angle with respect to the base unit.