Multi-Axis Hinge Assembly With Timing Cords for 360° Articulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinge assemblies in computing devices lack efficient synchronization of rotation around multiple hinge axes, leading to unsymmetrical and limited articulation capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The use of synchronized timing cords and overlapping sub-assemblies that rotate around pairs of adjacent hinge axes, ensuring symmetrical and 360-degree rotation by maintaining tension through figure-eight configurations and lock pins, allowing for increased flexibility and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional hinge assemblies are used, then the structure is simple, but the rotation synchronization around multiple hinge axes is poor and articulation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is divided into multiple sub-assemblies, each responsible for specific hinge axes. For example, a first sub-assembly handles the first and second hinge axes with its own timing cord, while a second sub-assembly handles the third and fourth hinge axes. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each sub-assembly while achieving overall synchronized rotation across all four axes, resolving the contradiction between complex multi-axis synchronization and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
Timing cords are introduced as intermediary elements to synchronize rotation between adjacent hinge axes. Each timing cord connects timing locks on adjacent links and passes through guides, acting as a mediator that ensures symmetrical rotation around multiple hinge axes. This intermediary mechanism enables 360-degree articulation capability without requiring a completely complex integrated structure.
2Manufacturing precision
If timing cords are used to synchronize rotation, then rotation symmetry is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Adjacent sub-assemblies share common hinge axes and timing cords. For instance, the second hinge axis is shared between the first and second sub-assemblies, and the timing cord for the first sub-assembly also serves to synchronize rotation for the shared axis. This merging reduces the total number of timing cords and components needed, achieving rotation synchronization without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Each timing cord serves multiple functions: it synchronizes rotation between its designated pair of adjacent hinge axes, maintains tension through the figure-eight configuration, and works across shared hinge axes between sub-assemblies. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count while maintaining precise rotation synchronization across all four hinge axes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple hinge axes are added for 360-degree rotation, then articulation flexibility is improved, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The four hinge axes are organized into two sub-assemblies of two axes each. The first sub-assembly handles axes one and two, while the second sub-assembly handles axes three and four, with shared axes at the boundaries. This segmentation makes the complex multi-axis system manageable and maintainable while achieving 360-degree articulation flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Adjacent sub-assemblies merge at shared hinge axes (the second and third axes are shared between sub-assemblies). This merging allows the system to achieve 360-degree rotation capability through coordinated action of multiple hinge axes without requiring completely separate mechanisms for each axis, thereby reducing overall complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C
AI summary
The description relates to hinged devices, such as hinged computing devices. One example can include first and second portions and a hinge assembly secured to the first and second portions. The hinge assembly can define first, second, and third hinge axes. The hinge assembly can include a first timing cord that synchronizes rotation around the first and second hinge axes and a second timing cord that synchronizes rotation around the second and third hinge axes.