Hinged Device Timing Gear Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinged computing devices face challenges in achieving durability while minimizing device real estate, particularly in synchronizing rotation and providing a pop-up force for easy one-handed opening.
Innovation Solution
The use of a hinge assembly with timing gears and arms that intermesh to synchronize rotation and provide a pop-up force, allowing for a robust and compact design that enables easy device opening and maintains orientation without user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional hinge designs are used to secure first and second portions, then the device can provide folding functionality, but the hinge assembly occupies excessive device real estate and lacks durability
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: first and second hinge axes for rotation, first and second timing gears for synchronization, and timing arms for coordination. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while collectively achieving compactness and durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The timing gears are positioned offset from the hinge axes, creating a nested arrangement where the gear mechanisms are integrated within the hinge assembly footprint rather than requiring separate space. This nesting reduces the overall area occupied by the hinge assembly.
2Stability of the object's composition
If timing gears are added to synchronize rotation around first and second hinge axes, then rotational synchronization is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Timing arms serve as intermediary components that connect the first and second timing gears, coordinating their rotation to synchronize the movement of first and second portions. This intermediary mechanism achieves stable rotational synchronization while maintaining manageable assembly complexity through clear functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The timing gears serve multiple functions: they synchronize rotation around the first and second hinge axes, coordinate the movement of both portions, and integrate within the compact hinge assembly footprint. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate synchronization mechanisms.
3Area of stationary object
If the hinge assembly is made compact to reduce device real estate, then area is reduced, but providing pop-up force for easy opening becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The timing gears and timing arms are pre-positioned and pre-loaded within the compact hinge assembly to generate pop-up force automatically when the device is closed. This preliminary positioning ensures that the force mechanism is ready to act immediately without requiring additional space or complex activation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The pop-up force generation mechanism is merged with the timing gear and timing arm synchronization mechanism. The same components that synchronize rotation also provide the pop-up force, eliminating the need for separate force-generation mechanisms and maintaining compactness while delivering sufficient force for easy one-handed opening.
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
This solution enhances the durability and compactness of hinged devices, allowing for efficient one-handed operation and reduced rotational friction, thereby improving user experience and device functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The first timing gear can rotate around a first timing axis that is parallel to and offset from the first hinge axis. The second timing gear can rotate around a second timing axis that is parallel to and offset from the second hinge axis. The first and second timing gears can directly intermesh with one another to synchronize rotation around the first hinge axis and the second hinge axis.
Data Source
AI summary
The description relates to hinged devices, such as hinged computing devices. One example can include a first portion and a second portion that are rotatably secured to a hinge assembly that define a first hinge axis that the first portion rotates around and a second hinge axis that the second portion rotates around. The hinge assembly can also include a first timing gear associated with the first portion and a second timing gear associated with the second portion. The first timing gear can rotate around a first timing axis that is parallel to and offset from the first hinge axis. The second timing gear can rotate around a second timing axis that is parallel to and offset from the second hinge axis. The first and second timing gears can directly intermesh with one another to synchronize rotation around the first hinge axis and the second hinge axis.