Living Hinge Assembly for Thin Multi-Part Electronic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hinges for multi-part electronic devices protrude as the devices become thinner and do not open and close smoothly, posing challenges for accommodating larger displays without compromising the device's form factor.
Innovation Solution
A hinge assembly featuring a living hinge construction with an intermediate segment that allows 360-degree rotation, complementing curved or angled surfaces for nesting, and optional magnetic elements to maintain the device in an open position, ensuring smooth operation and minimal protrusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional hinges are used in multi-part devices, then the device can achieve multi-position configuration, but the hinge protrudes from the device as it moves between positions
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge segments are designed to nest within each other during rotation, with the intermediate segment containing recesses that receive corresponding portions of adjacent segments. This nesting arrangement allows the hinge to maintain a compact profile without protruding from the device body while still achieving full rotation between closed and fully-open positions
2Length of stationary object
If the device becomes thinner to maintain form factor, then the device profile is improved, but conventional hinges cannot accommodate the thinner displays without further protrusion
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge employs a living hinge construction with an intermediate segment that acts as a flexible connection between rigid segments. This flexible intermediate portion allows the hinge to bend and rotate without requiring additional space, enabling the use of thinner displays while maintaining a flush profile against the device body
3Device complexity
If conventional hinges are used, then the device structure is simple, but the displays do not open and close smoothly
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge incorporates curved surfaces and rounded transitions between segments, including a curved living hinge portion that provides gradual bending. This curvature design eliminates sharp angles and stress concentration points, enabling smooth opening and closing motion while maintaining structural simplicity and avoiding the need for complex mechanical components
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 assembly enables smooth and full rotation of device parts, maintaining a compact form factor while providing a larger effective display area, and the magnetic elements help keep the device open, enhancing user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a first magnetic element positioned in the first device part and a second magnetic element positioned in the second device part... configured to attract each other when the device is an open position and to apply a maintaining force tending to keep the device in the open position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2E
Figure 3
AI summary
A hinge assembly for a multi-part electronic device comprises a pair of opposing living hinge elements for connecting first and second parts of the multi-part electronic device. Each hinge element has a first segment, an intermediate segment and a second segment, and comprises a first hinged joint positioned at a junction of the first segment and the intermediate segment and defining a first hinge axis, and a second hinged joint positioned at a junction of the second segment and the intermediate segment and defining a second hinge axis. The second hinged joint is spaced apart from the first hinged joint by a length of the intermediate segment. Each of the first and second hinged joints is configured to permit 180 degrees of rotation. A multi-part electronic device having a double-acting hinge arrangement is also described.