Multi-section hinge mechanism for foldable device camera rotation

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, and existing hinge mechanisms do not allow independent camera rotation to desired angles.

Innovation Solution

A multi-section hinge mechanism comprising a shaft, rotary member, and elastic member with a through hole and concaves, allowing for modular and compact design that enables camera rotation to various angles and stable aiming, while connecting a body and cover of foldable electronic devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a hinge mechanism with a spring is used, then the hinge can provide sufficient force to withstand operational loads, but the housing size must be increased to accommodate the spring and withstand its forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce withstanding capabilityVSAvoidhousing volume

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge mechanism is divided into multiple sections (first hinge section, second hinge section, third hinge section) that can independently rotate relative to each other. This segmentation allows the mechanism to achieve the required force withstanding capability through distributed structural support rather than requiring a single large housing to contain a powerful spring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge mechanism utilizes multi-dimensional rotation capabilities, where the cover can rotate relative to the body through multiple hinge sections arranged in different orientations. This dimensional approach allows the mechanism to achieve mechanical advantage and force distribution without increasing housing volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability 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 from the upper case to any desired direction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera rotation capabilityVSAvoidindependent rotation control

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The camera mounting system is segmented into multiple independent rotation sections. The photographing part can rotate independently from the upper case through the hinge mechanism's multiple rotational degrees of freedom, allowing independent control of camera orientation while maintaining connection to the housing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge mechanism provides dynamic rotation capabilities with multiple degrees of freedom, allowing the camera to be positioned in various orientations. The mechanism enables continuous adjustment of camera angle through the rotational movement of hinge sections rather than fixed positional options.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If the housing size is increased to accommodate spring forces, then the hinge mechanism can withstand operational loads, but the overall volume of the foldable electronic device increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload withstanding capabilityVSAvoiddevice volume

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge mechanism is divided into multiple sections (first hinge section, second hinge section, third hinge section) that can independently rotate relative to each other. This segmentation allows the mechanism to achieve the required force withstanding capability through distributed structural support rather than requiring a single large housing to contain a powerful spring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge mechanism utilizes multi-dimensional rotation capabilities, where the cover can rotate relative to the body through multiple hinge sections arranged in different orientations. This dimensional approach allows the mechanism to achieve mechanical advantage and force distribution without increasing housing volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 multi-section hinge mechanism reduces overall volume, allows for independent camera rotation to any desired angle, and is modular for easy assembly, addressing the limitations of existing hinge mechanisms in miniaturized devices.

Implementation Method 1

The elastic member includes an elastic arm and a fixing portion. The elastic arm engages in one of the concaves of the rotary member.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS7607201B2Multi-section hinge mechanism

Publication Date: 2009.10.27 FIH (HONG KONG) LTD

AI summary

A multi-section hinge mechanism includes a shaft (10), a rotary member (20), and an elastic member (30). The rotary member defines a through hole (26) running through the disk. The shaft is rotatably received in the through hole. The rotary member defines a plurality of concaves (282) in an inner circumferential surface portion thereof. The elastic member includes an elastic arm (32) and a fixing portion. The elastic arm engages in one of the concaves of the rotary member. The shaft non-rotatably connects with the fixing portion of the elastic member.