Hinge Mechanism Switching Assembly for Force-Saving Torque Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hinge modules in foldable electronic devices are unable to reduce their appearance while maintaining sufficient torque force, leading to a fixed torque force that does not provide a force-saving experience for users.
Innovation Solution
A hinge mechanism with a switching assembly that connects or disconnects torque forces between adjacent hinge modules, utilizing a first and second rotating member with driving portions on rotating paths, allowing for the disconnection of torque forces when the driving portions pass through an idle stroke, enabling the user to experience a force-saving operational feel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the appearance of hinge modules is reduced to satisfy light and thin design trends, then the device can achieve a thinner profile, but the torque force required to support the bodies cannot be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the torque force adjustable rather than fixed. The switching assembly allows the torque force to be dynamically changed between different levels (first torque force and second torque force) based on the operational state of the foldable electronic apparatus. This enables the hinge mechanism to adapt the torque force to match the actual support requirements at different folding angles, thereby maintaining sufficient torque force while using a more compact hinge module design.
2Ease of operation
If a fixed torque force is used in conventional hinge modules, then the structure is simple, but the user cannot experience a force-saving effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by introducing a switching assembly that can change the torque force level based on operational needs. The assembly includes a rotating member with a driving portion that engages with or disengages from a driving portion of the torque member, allowing the system to switch between a first torque force (when engaged) and a second torque force (when disengaged). This dynamic adjustment provides the force-saving effect during unfolding operations while maintaining structural support during folded states.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the torque force transmission path into separable components. The switching assembly separates the torque force generation (torque member) from the torque force transmission (hinge modules), allowing independent control. The driving portion and driving portion of the torque member can be selectively engaged or disengaged, segmenting the torque force connection to enable force-saving operations when unfolding while maintaining support when folded.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple elastic gaskets are used to form torque force, then the torque force value can be adjusted by changing the number of gaskets, but the torque force is fixed and cannot be changed during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing the static multi-gasket torque member with a dynamic switching mechanism. Instead of using multiple elastic gaskets where the torque force is fixed after assembly, the patent uses a switching assembly with a rotating member that can engage or disengage the torque member. This allows the torque force to be dynamically adjusted during operation - providing full torque support when needed and reduced torque (force-saving mode) when unfolding - without changing the physical structure or number of components.
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 hinge mechanism allows for the switching of torque forces between hinge modules, providing a force-saving operational feel by disconnecting torque forces when necessary, allowing for efficient unfolding and folding of electronic devices while maintaining sufficient torque support.
Implementation Method 1
a torque member of a conventional hinge module is formed by a plurality of elastic gaskets and is configured to form the torque force required to support the bodies with its frictional force when the bodies rotate
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge mechanism includes at least two hinge modules and at least one switching assembly disposed between the adjacent two hinge modules and including a first and second rotating members rotating coaxially with respect to each other. The first rotating member is coaxially disposed at one of the adjacent hinge modules to rotate synchronously. The second rotating member is coaxially disposed at the other one of the adjacent hinge modules to rotate synchronously. The first rotating member has a first driving portion, and the second rotating member has a second driving portion. The first and second driving portions are located on rotating paths of each other, and an idle stroke is provided between the first and second driving portions along the rotating paths. When the first driving portion and the second driving portion pass through the idle stroke, torque forces generated by the adjacent two hinge modules are disconnected.