Hollow Hinge Support Assembly for Low-Friction Torque Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hollow hinges experience reduced torque and issues of wavering and friction due to abrasion of internal bump structures over time, affecting durability and assembly reliability.

Innovation Solution

A hollow hinge design featuring a first and second hollow component with concave and receiving portions, respectively, and support assemblies comprising elastic and spherical elements that reduce friction and provide continuous support, enhancing durability and assembly stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If internal bump structures are used to control torque, then torque control is achieved, but friction increases and durability decreases due to abrasion over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque controlVSAvoiddurability

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a support assembly as an intermediary component between the bump structure and the rotating component. This support assembly includes a support body with a bearing that mediates the contact interaction, reducing direct friction and wear between the bump structure and rotating parts while maintaining torque control functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the direct mechanical contact of bump structures with a bearing-based support system. The bearing substitutes the original mechanical friction interface, reducing wear and improving durability while maintaining the torque control function through the support assembly's structured design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Force

If bump structures are used for torque control, then torque is controlled, but wavering and friction occur after extended use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque controlVSAvoidwavering

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The support assembly acts as a mediator that stabilizes the interaction between the bump structure and rotating components. The bearing within the support body provides a stable, low-friction interface that prevents wavering and maintains compositional stability even after extended use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The support assembly is pre-installed to cushion and protect the bump structure from direct wear and instability issues. This preventive measure ensures that the torque control mechanism maintains its stability and performance throughout the product's lifecycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional hollow hinge design is used, then assembly is simple, but assembly reliability decreases due to wavering and friction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidassembly reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the hollow hinge into distinct functional components: the hollow body, the support assembly, and the rotating component. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the support assembly can be pre-assembled and tested, improving overall assembly reliability while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through modular assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 support assemblies reduce friction and prevent wavering, thereby prolonging the hinge's durability and improving assembly reliability and production yield by providing a strengthened support structure.

Implementation Method 1

the friction between components is reduced by the support assemblies provided, thereby prolonging durability

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction reduction through support structure: Lubrication

Implementation Method 2

support assemblies comprising elastic and spherical elements that reduce friction and provide continuous support

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12071795B2Hollow hinge and electronic device

Publication Date: 2024.08.27 GETAC TECH CORP

AI summary

A hollow hinge includes a first hollow component, a second hollow component and a plurality of support assemblies. The first hollow component has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a plurality of concave portions are disposed on the second surface. The second hollow component is disposed on the second surface of the first hollow component and a plurality of receiving portions corresponding to the concave portions are disposed on the second hollow component. The support assemblies are respectively contained in the receiving portions and continuously butt against the first hollow component through a force. The hollow hinge avoids friction between components and strengthens support, thereby prolonging durability and improving assembly and production yield rate.