Hinge Torque Assembly Using Translation Friction for Shaft Life
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hinge mechanisms in electronic devices, such as laptops, rely on shaft friction to provide torque, which affects the service life and control of the shaft, making it difficult to adjust and maintain the desired torque.
Innovation Solution
A hinge mechanism that includes a torque assembly connected to a hinge assembly, where the rotation of the first body drives the torque assembly to translate relative to the first body, generating friction to provide torque, thereby reducing the reliance on shaft friction and enhancing the service life and turning feel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If shaft friction is used to provide torque in the hinge mechanism, then torque can be generated, but the service life of the shaft is reduced and torque control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a torque assembly as an intermediary component between the hinge assembly and the shaft. This torque assembly includes friction members that generate friction-based torque, which then transmits to the hinge assembly. By placing the friction mechanism in the torque assembly rather than directly in the shaft, the shaft is protected from direct friction wear, extending its service life while still achieving the desired torque control through the friction members
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the torque generation function into separate components: the torque assembly containing friction members and the hinge assembly containing the shaft. This segmentation allows the friction-based torque generation to be isolated from the shaft, so the shaft rotates without direct friction contact, thereby extending its service life while the torque assembly handles the friction-based torque control
2Device complexity
If conventional hinge mechanism with shaft friction is used, then simple structure is maintained, but torque adjustment and maintenance become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the hinge mechanism into a hinge assembly and a separate torque assembly. The torque assembly is designed as an independent module containing the friction members and torque generation mechanism. This modular segmentation makes the torque adjustment and maintenance easier, as the torque assembly can be accessed, adjusted, or replaced without disassembling the entire hinge mechanism, while still maintaining overall structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The torque assembly acts as an intermediary module that simplifies maintenance and adjustment. By placing the friction-based torque generation mechanism in this separate accessible module, technicians can adjust torque parameters by modifying the friction members in the torque assembly without affecting the main hinge assembly, making maintenance easier while keeping the overall structure simple
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 proposed hinge mechanism protects the shaft, extends its service life, and improves the turning feel by generating torque through friction, allowing for seamless display integration and easier assembly and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
the hinge assembly drives an action of the torque assembly to cause at least a part of the torque assembly to translate relative to the first body to provide a torque for the hinge assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge mechanism includes a hinge assembly connected with a first body and a second body to rotatably connect the first body and the second body, and a torque assembly mounted at the first body and connected with the hinge assembly. When the first body and the second body are relatively rotated to drive the hinge assembly, the hinge assembly drives the torque assembly to cause at least a part of the torque assembly to translate relative to the first body to provide a torque for the hinge assembly.