Hinge Structure for Semi-Automatic Folding Without Free-Stop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices with hinge structures face challenges in semi-automatic opening and closing without free-stop mechanisms, which can lead to contamination and reduced durability, and often require complex designs with multiple components.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a hinge structure comprising a first and second housing, where the second housing is rotatable relative to the first, featuring a hinge protrusion and contact surfaces that allow semi-automatic rotation without free-stop, reducing contamination risks and simplifying design and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a hinge structure with free-stop mechanism is used to enable semi-automatic opening and closing, then the automation extent is improved, but the device complexity and contamination risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the free-stop mechanism from the hinge structure, replacing it with a simplified design that achieves semi-automatic opening and closing through the interaction between the hinge protrusion and contact surfaces without requiring complex stopping mechanisms at intermediate positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge structure utilizes the weight and gravitational force of the second housing to automatically drive the opening and closing motion. The hinge protrusion sliding along the contact surfaces creates a self-service system where gravity provides the driving force, eliminating the need for motors, springs, or other active components.
2Extent of automation
If a free-stop mechanism is included in the hinge structure, then semi-automatic operation is improved, but reliability decreases due to contamination risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the free-stop mechanism entirely from the hinge structure, eliminating the intermediate stopping positions that would create gaps and exposure to contamination. The hinge protrusion slides continuously along the contact surfaces without stopping, sealing the hinge area and preventing dust, moisture, and other contaminants from entering.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact surfaces are divided into multiple segments (first contact surface, second contact surface, third contact surface) that guide the hinge protrusion through different phases of motion. This segmentation allows the hinge to achieve controlled opening and closing while maintaining continuous contact that prevents contamination throughout the entire range of motion.
3Extent of automation
If multiple components are used in the hinge structure to achieve semi-automatic operation, then automation is improved, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional elements into a unified hinge structure. The hinge protrusion and contact surfaces are integrated into the housing components, eliminating the need for separate free-stop mechanisms, motors, or additional actuators. This merging simplifies manufacturing and assembly while maintaining semi-automatic operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact surfaces serve multiple functions simultaneously: they guide the hinge protrusion during motion, provide friction for controlled movement, and seal the hinge area to prevent contamination. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed and simplifies the overall hinge structure.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a first housing, a second housing including a cover, a hinge engaging portion, and a hinge protrusion, and a hinge structure configured to rotate the second housing relative to the first housing, the hinge structure including a first base facing the hinge engaging portion and a second base connected to the first base, and the second base includes a first contact surface contacting the hinge protrusion as the second housing transitions between the closing position and the intermediate position, and a second contact surface contacting the hinge protrusion while the second housing transitions between the intermediate position and the opening position.