Multi-axis Hinge with Geared Link Units for Rotational Freedom
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinge technologies lack versatility and user convenience in design, particularly in providing a wide range of rotational freedom and aesthetic appeal for structures like doors and display units.
Innovation Solution
A hinge device comprising multiple parallel shaft units and link units that allow for varied degrees of freedom in rotation, with link units connecting multiple shaft units and featuring gear units for synchronized rotation, enabling elegant and functional movement between connected members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional single-axial hinge structure is used, then the structure is simple, but the rotational freedom and positioning capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge device is divided into multiple independent shaft units (first shaft unit, second shaft unit, third shaft unit) arranged in parallel, each capable of independent rotation. This segmentation allows each shaft to provide a specific degree of freedom, collectively achieving complex rotational positioning capabilities while maintaining modular simplicity in the overall structure.
2Ease of operation
If multiple shaft units and link units are added to increase rotational freedom, then the positioning capability is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The link units are designed to connect multiple shaft units simultaneously, merging the functions of multiple connections into single components. For example, a link unit can connect the first shaft unit, second shaft unit, and third shaft unit, reducing the total number of separate connection components while maintaining full positioning capability across all shafts.
Solution Approach 2:
The link units are designed with universal functionality to connect any combination of shaft units. Each link unit can serve multiple purposes: connecting different shafts, providing structural support, and enabling synchronized rotation through gear mechanisms. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized components for each connection.
3Shape
If link units are designed to rotate at the same angle for aesthetic appeal, then the visual elegance is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Gear units are introduced as intermediary elements between the link units and shaft units to enforce synchronized rotation. The gear mechanisms act as mediators that automatically ensure all link units rotate at the same angle, transforming an aesthetic requirement into a mechanically enforced constraint. This eliminates the need for high-precision manufacturing of each individual link unit, as the gear system guarantees synchronization.
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 enhanced rotational freedom, including linear positioning, and an aesthetically pleasing design by allowing multiple link units to rotate at the same angle, ensuring smooth and interference-free operation between connected structures.
Implementation Method 1
a cross-section of a link unit may be formed with a gear unit to allow a plurality of link units connected to a plurality of rotation shaft to rotate at a same angle
Data Source
AI summary
The hinge device according to the present invention includes a plurality of shaft units arranged in parallel, and a link unit configured to connect each shaft unit and rotate about each shaft unit, wherein rotation of a first member and a second member, the first member and the second member being objects of hinge, is realized by rotation of each link unit using a plurality of rotation shaft as a base.