Multi-section hinge mechanism for foldable camera rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinge mechanisms for foldable electronic devices, especially miniaturized versions, face challenges in providing a compact and modular design that allows for independent camera rotation to various angles, often resulting in increased size and complexity, which hinders efficient mass production and stability.
Innovation Solution
A multi-section hinge mechanism comprising a rotary member, a connecting assembly with an elastic body, and a hollow cylindrical body with grooves, allowing for compact design and modular construction, enabling rotation to any desired angle and stable orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a spring is used in the hinge mechanism to provide folding force, then the folding function is improved, but the housing size must be increased to withstand the spring forces
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism is divided into multiple sections (first hinge section, second hinge section, third hinge section) that can independently fold relative to each other. This segmentation allows the folding force to be distributed across multiple joints rather than requiring a single large housing structure to withstand all forces, enabling miniaturization while maintaining folding functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism employs a nested structure where the first hinge section, second hinge section, and third hinge section are arranged concentrically around a central axis. Each section is positioned within the spatial envelope of the previous section, allowing the entire mechanism to occupy minimal space while still providing the necessary folding force through the spring element.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the camera is mounted in the hinge mechanism to enable rotation, then camera orientation capability is improved, but the number of elements increases and space is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides the folding force for closing the device, enables the cover to unfold and fold, and simultaneously serves as the mounting structure for the camera module. The first hinge section with its arm and pivot joint is designed to both transmit folding forces and support camera rotation, eliminating the need for separate mounting mechanisms and reducing overall element count.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera mounting mechanism is merged with the hinge mechanism itself. The first hinge section's arm and pivot joint are integrated with the camera module mounting structure, allowing the camera to rotate independently while the hinge provides both structural support and folding functionality. This merging reduces the total number of discrete elements compared to having separate hinge and camera mounting systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a complex connection mechanism is used to allow independent camera rotation, then rotation to any angle is achieved, but the connection weakens after repeated use and mass production becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The complex association mechanism from prior art is extracted and replaced with a simplified direct mounting approach. The camera module is directly mounted to the first hinge section's arm through a straightforward connection structure, eliminating the need for intermediate connecting members and reducing the number of engagement points that could fail over time. This extraction of unnecessary complexity improves reliability while maintaining rotation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation mechanism is segmented into simple, discrete components: the camera module mounted on the first hinge section's arm, which itself is pivotally connected to the main body. This segmentation into simple pivotal joints rather than complex multi-element associations reduces wear points and simplifies mass production assembly while maintaining the ability to rotate to any angle within the mechanical range.
4Adaptability or versatility
If numerous elements are used in the hinge mechanism to achieve rotation and orientation, then desired angles are achieved, but the space occupied increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism employs a nested structure where the first hinge section, second hinge section, and third hinge section are arranged concentrically around a central axis. Each section is positioned within the spatial envelope of the previous section, allowing the entire mechanism to occupy minimal space while still providing multi-directional rotation and orientation capability for the camera module.
Solution Approach 2:
Each hinge section serves multiple functions: the first hinge section provides both the mounting base for camera rotation and transmits folding forces; the second and third hinge sections provide additional rotation axes and structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, minimizing the total space required while maintaining full rotation and orientation capability.
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 solution reduces the overall volume required for camera rotation mechanisms in foldable devices, enhances camera orientation capabilities, and facilitates efficient mass production by simplifying the assembly process.
Implementation Method 1
The connecting assembly includes a shaft portion and an elastic body provided on the shaft portion
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-section hinge mechanism (60) includes a rotary member (10), a connecting shaft (20) and a hollow cylindrical body (30). The rotary member includes a disk (11) and a securing portion (12) integrally formed with the disk. The connecting shaft includes a shaft portion (22) and an elastic body (23) provided on the shaft portion. The hollow cylindrical body includes a bottom portion (31) and defining a plurality of grooves (33) in an inner wall thereof. The bottom portion defines a hole (32). The shaft portion is rotatably received in the hole. The shaft portion of the connecting shaft is securely engaged with the securing portion of the rotary member. The elastic body engages in one of the grooves of the cylindrical body.