Multi-section hinge mechanism for compact foldable camera rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hinge mechanisms with springs are not suitable for miniaturized foldable electronic devices as they require increased housing size to withstand spring forces, leading to increased device volume, and cameras mounted in these devices cannot rotate independently to desired angles.
Innovation Solution
A multi-section hinge mechanism comprising a rotary member with an annular elastic arm and a latching part, allowing the camera to be freely rotated and oriented, while occupying a relatively small volume, by using a disk-shaped base with a central hole and concaves for the elastic arm to engage, enabling modular assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a hinge mechanism with a spring is used, then the folding function is achieved, but the housing size must be increased to withstand spring forces
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism is divided into multiple sections including a first section connecting the body to the hinge cover, and a second section connecting the hinge cover to the cover. This segmentation allows the spring force to be distributed across multiple connection points rather than concentrated in a single housing structure, enabling miniaturization while maintaining folding functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism employs a nested structure where the hinge cover contains both the first hinge section and the second hinge section within its boundaries. The spring is positioned within the hinge cover, and the latching mechanism is integrated into the same compact space. This nesting allows all components to share the same structural envelope, significantly reducing the overall housing size required to accommodate the folding mechanism.
2Strength
If the housing size is increased to withstand spring forces, then the structural strength is improved, but the overall device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the hinge mechanism into multiple sections with distributed spring forces, the structural strength requirement is met through force distribution rather than increasing individual component size. Each hinge section bears a portion of the load, allowing the use of smaller, more compact components that collectively provide the necessary structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement within the hinge cover to achieve structural strength without increasing external dimensions. The spring, latching mechanism, and hinge sections are arranged in different spatial dimensions and orientations, maximizing the use of available internal volume while maintaining a compact external footprint.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the camera is mounted in the hinge mechanism, then the camera can rotate within a range of angles, but the photographing part cannot rotate independently to any desired direction
Solution Approach 1:
The camera mounting structure is segmented from the main hinge mechanism, allowing the photographing part to be independently positioned and rotated. The camera can be mounted on the hinge cover or body with its own rotation mechanism, enabling independent adjustment to any desired direction while the hinge mechanism provides the primary folding motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera mounting system incorporates dynamic rotation capability that allows the photographing part to move independently from the hinge cover. This dynamic adjustment mechanism enables the camera to rotate to any angle within a wide range, providing operational flexibility without interfering with the hinge mechanism's folding function.
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
Enables independent camera rotation and orientation in foldable electronic devices, reducing overall device volume and facilitating mass production, while allowing for flexible angle adjustment and stable aiming.
Implementation Method 1
The base includes an annular elastic arm and a latching part integrally extending from an inner circumferential wall of the annular elastic arm
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-section hinge mechanism (100) comprises a rotary member (10) and a base (20). The base includes an annular elastic arm (12) and a latching part (14) integrally extending from an inner circumferential wall of the annular elastic arm. The base defines a central hole running therethrough and a plurality of concaves (242) in one surface portion. The latching part rotatably extends through the central hole of the base. The elastic arm engages in one of the concaves of the base.