Hinge Mechanism with Torsional Spring and Damper for Auto-Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional portable electronic devices lack a connecting mechanism that allows for easy adjustment of the elevation angle of the upper casing relative to the lower casing, as existing mechanisms either constrain the upper casing from sliding or require manual rotation, which is inconvenient for users.

Innovation Solution

A connecting mechanism featuring a hinge assembly with a torsional spring and damper assembly that enables auto-rotation and self-positioning, allowing the upper casing to unfold automatically to a suitable view angle and allowing slight adjustments in elevation angle, with a damper assembly to absorb vibrations for improved operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional connecting mechanism with a constraining component is used, then the upper casing cannot slide relative to the lower casing, but the elevation angle cannot be adjusted according to user demand

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of elevation angleVSAvoidconstraint structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge assembly transitions from a static constraining structure to a dynamic mechanism where the resilient component allows the second hinge to slide relative to the first hinge, enabling the elevation angle to be adjusted dynamically according to user needs while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If a slide mechanism is used to allow the upper casing to slide relative to the lower casing, then the elevation angle becomes adjustable, but manual rotation is required which is inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of unfoldingVSAvoidautomatic rotation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The resilient component is pre-loaded to generate elastic force that automatically rotates the rod and unfolds the upper casing to a predetermined elevation angle when the second hinge slides relative to the first hinge, eliminating the need for manual rotation while allowing easy adjustment by simply pushing the hinge

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If a torsional spring is used to rotate the rod automatically, then the unfolding becomes convenient, but vibration occurs during rotation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic unfoldingVSAvoidvibration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The damper assembly is introduced as an intermediary component between the rod and the hinge assembly, containing a damping component that dissipates the vibration energy generated during automatic rotation by the torsional spring, thereby reducing harmful vibrations while preserving the automatic unfolding function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 the electronic device to automatically adjust to an optimal view angle with minimal user input, providing convenient operation and vibration absorption for enhanced usability.

Implementation Method 1

a torsional spring disposed between the rod and the hinge assembly for rotating the rod relative to the second hinge from a first position to a second position when the second hinge slides relative to the first hinge over a predetermined value

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTorsional spring: Torsion Spring

Implementation Method 2

the damper assembly absorbs vibration of the rod when the rod is rotated by the torsional spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration absorption: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS9086853B2Connecting mechanism and related electronic device
Publication Date: 2015.07.21 WISTRON CORP
  • US9086853B2 patent drawing
  • US9086853B2 patent drawing
  • US9086853B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A connecting mechanism of adjusting an angle of a first module relative to a second module of an electronic device is disclosed in the present invention. The connecting mechanism includes a hinge assembly disposed on the second module, a rod disposed on the hinge assembly and pivoting to the first module, a torsional spring disposed between the rod and the hinge assembly, and a damper assembly disposed on the rod and sheathed by the torsional spring. The hinge assembly includes a first hinge installed inside the second module, and a second hinge slidably disposed on the first hinge. The torsional spring drives the rod to rotate relative to the second hinge from a first position to a second position, so that the first module can stand on the second module. The damper assembly can be for absorbing a vibration generated from the rod.