Hinge Torque Module With Friction Clamping for Any-Angle Holding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hinge mechanisms fail to provide sufficient torque or frictional force to hold swing arms at desired angular positions other than specific angles, limiting the flexibility and practical application of flexible displays.
Innovation Solution
A torque module with swing arm assemblies that include primary and secondary swing arms, each with clamping surfaces, and elastic elements to ensure firm contact with pivotal connection sections, allowing for torque to be applied regardless of arm orientation, and incorporating gaps or spacers for structural variety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional hinge mechanisms use fixed-width recesses on swing arms, then the structure is simple, but insufficient torque or frictional force is provided to hold swing arms at desired angular positions
Solution Approach 1:
The swing arm assembly is divided into primary and secondary swing arms that work together to clamp the pivotal connection section. This segmentation allows the elastic force to be distributed and amplified across multiple contact points, providing sufficient torque to hold the swing arms at any desired angular position while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single swing arm design to a dual swing arm configuration (primary and secondary) that clamps the pivotal connection section from opposite sides. This dimensional change enables the elastic force to act in multiple directions, creating sufficient frictional force and torque to secure the swing arms at any angle, not just predetermined positions.
2Force
If elastic elements press against swing arms through cam holders, then the swing arms can be located at specific angles, but the elastic force does not produce increased friction to hold arms at other angles
Solution Approach 1:
The primary and secondary swing arms are merged into a coordinated clamping system that works together with the elastic elements. The elastic elements press against both swing arms simultaneously, and their combined frictional forces on the pivotal connection section provide sufficient holding torque across the entire range of motion, not just at specific discrete angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The swing arm assembly is designed to be dynamically adaptable to any angular position. The elastic elements continuously apply pressing force regardless of the swing arm orientation, and the frictional force automatically adjusts to provide the necessary holding torque at each position, enabling the hinge to hold at any angle from 0 to 360 degrees.
3Force
If virtual-shaft holding supports are brought by synchronizing holding supports, then the structure is compact, but the elastic force of compression springs cannot act directly to increase frictional force
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the complex synchronizing mechanism from the conventional design. Instead of using synchronizing holding supports to bring virtual-shaft holding supports, the patent allows the elastic elements to directly press against the primary and secondary swing arms, which in turn clamp the pivotal connection sections. This direct action path maximizes the frictional force while simplifying the overall structure.
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
Enables swing arms to be securely positioned at any desired angle relative to the holding support, enhancing flexibility and practical application by providing consistent torque and frictional resistance.
Implementation Method 1
at least one elastic element fitted on each of the pins to push the pivotal connection section against at least one of the pair of primary swing arms and the pair of secondary swing arms
Implementation Method 2
the primary and the secondary swing arms are in firm and frictional contact with the holding support to elastically clamp to the two axially opposite sides of the pivotal connection sections
Data Source
AI summary
A torque module for hinge device includes a holding support having two pivotal connection sections respectively having a pin extended therethrough, and two pairs of swing arms pivotally fitted on the pins to extend parallelly with each other and contact with two axially opposite sides of the pivotal connection sections with a gap (A) formed between them. Elastic elements are fitted on the pins to elastically press the pivotal connection sections toward at least one of the two pairs of swing arms for them to firmly and frictionally clamp to the two axially opposite sides of the pivotal connection sections and accordingly, provide a torque that can always hold the swing arms in place relative to the pivotal connection sections, no matter how the swing arms in each pair are pivotally turned relative to each other about the pivotal connection sections to any folded or extended angular position.