Hinge Torque Ring Structure for Stable Angle Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinge devices for electronic apparatuses, such as laptops, face difficulties in fine adjustment and range of rotational torque due to excessive deformation of flat springs when tightening nuts, leading to unstable angular postures and limited torque adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A hinge device featuring a torque imparting portion with a ring, elastic members, and an adjuster that allows for precise adjustment of rotational torque by biasing the ring to press the shaft at specific edges, enabling easy adjustment and a wider torque range without excessive deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the tightening force with the nut is increased to adjust the rotational torque, then the rotational torque increases, but the flat springs are excessively deformed and the adjustment range becomes narrow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a curled bracket as an intermediary component between the nut and the shaft. The curled bracket deforms elastically to generate sliding resistance against the shaft, while the nut only needs to apply minimal tightening force to the curled bracket. This mediator approach allows torque adjustment without directly deforming flat springs or requiring excessive tightening force, thus expanding the adjustment range and improving fine adjustment capability.
2Force
If the tightening force is increased to generate sufficient rotational torque, then the torque generation is sufficient, but the curled bracket cannot be inserted into the shaft hole due to excessive deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic elasticity of the curled bracket to resolve the contradiction. The curled bracket is designed with specific curvature and material properties that allow it to elastically deform during insertion and then maintain sufficient sliding resistance against the shaft during operation. The bracket's dynamic deformation capability enables it to be inserted into the shaft hole while still generating adequate rotational torque through controlled elastic recovery and friction.
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 allows for stable angular postures and a wide range of rotational torque adjustments, enhancing the usability and reliability of electronic apparatuses by preventing excessive deformation and improving torque control.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member that biases the ring in the axis direction from a position displaced from the axis of the shaft
Implementation Method 2
a ring having a shaft insertion hole through which the shaft is inserted with rattling
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge device includes a shaft that is rotatable around the axis, and a torque imparting portion configured to impart a rotational torque to rotation of the shaft. The torque imparting portion includes: a ring having a shaft insertion hole through which the shaft is inserted with rattling, the ring covering a part of an outer circumferential face of the shaft in the axis direction; an elastic member that biases the ring in the axis direction from a position displaced from the axis of the shaft; and an adjuster configured to adjust a force that the elastic member biases the ring.