Hinge Device Wedging Mechanism for Keyboard Dock Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional external keyboards for flat panel computers have poor carrying stability and operation convenience, with the keyboard module being exposed to dust and moisture, leading to potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A hinge device with a body, torsion generating part, rotating part, and wedging units that allow stable and fluent rotation and opening/closing operations, featuring a torsion spring, wedging units, and a shaft lever to control the rotation of the body relative to the torsion generating part, ensuring secure and adjustable positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a conventional supporting mechanism is used to carry the flat panel computer, then the external keyboard can be supported, but the carrying stability is poor and the operation process is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge device is divided into multiple functional components: a body, a torsion generating part with a first wedging unit, a rotating part with a second wedging unit, and a torsion spring. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, achieving stable rotation and opening/closing operations while simplifying the overall operation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedging units act as intermediaries between the torsion generating part and the rotating part. When the wedging units are engaged, they transmit the torsional force from the torsion spring to rotate the body relative to the torsion generating part, enabling stable carrying while simplifying operation through automatic mechanical coupling.
2Ease of manufacture
If the keyboard module is directly exposed to external, then the structure is simple, but it is liable to be damaged due to pollution of dust and moisture
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge device creates a nested protective structure where the keyboard module is housed within the body, which itself contains the rotating part and torsion generating part. This nested arrangement protects the keyboard module from external pollution while maintaining structural efficiency through shared components.
Solution Approach 2:
The body acts as a protective shell enclosing the keyboard module and internal mechanisms. This shell structure shields the keyboard module from dust and moisture while allowing the hinge to rotate and open/close for user interaction, balancing protection with operational accessibility.
3Ease of operation
If a hinge device with rotation and opening/closing functions is designed, then operation convenience is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge device incorporates dynamic elements including a rotatable body that can rotate relative to the torsion generating part, and opening/closing mechanisms that allow the keyboard module to move between folded and extended positions. These dynamic capabilities provide operational flexibility while the mechanical design keeps the overall structure manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The torsion spring provides self-service by automatically generating the rotational force needed to rotate the body relative to the torsion generating part when the wedging units are disengaged. This automatic mechanism reduces the need for external actuation, simplifying the operation process despite the presence of multiple moving parts.
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 device provides stable and fluent rotation and opening/closing operations, enhancing the carrying stability and operation convenience of external keyboards and portable electronic devices, while protecting the keyboard module from environmental damage.
Implementation Method 1
a torsion spring disposed between the body and the torsion generating part. When the first wedging unit and the second wedging unit are separated from each other, the torsion spring drives the body to rotate relative to the torsion generating part
Implementation Method 2
The first wedging unit and the second wedging unit are wedged to each other or separated from each other when the rotating part rotates relative to the body along a first axis. The body is capable of rotating relative to the torsion generating part along a second axis when the first wedging unit and the second wedging unit are separated from each other
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge device and a keyboard dock and a portable electronic device having the same are provided. The hinge device includes a body, a torsion generating part, a rotating part and a second wedging unit. The torsion generating part is pivotally connected to the body and has a first wedging unit. The rotating part is pivotally connected to the body. The second wedging unit is assembled to the rotating part and moved along with the rotating part. The first wedging unit and the second wedging unit are wedged together or separated from each other while the rotating part rotates relative to the body along a first axis. The body can rotate along a second axis relative to the torsion generating part while the first wedging unit and the second wedging unit are separated from each other. The first axis is vertical to the second axis.