Multi-Shaft Hinge Apparatus for Coplanar 360-Degree Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinge apparatuses for portable electronic devices fail to provide a seamless, 360-degree rotation and cannot place the screen and keyboard portions in the same plane, limiting their adaptability and usability in various environments.
Innovation Solution
A hinge apparatus comprising multiple side-by-side shafts connected by rotatable elements forming shaft chains, with synchronization bridges and a soft covering material for seamless connections, allowing 360-degree rotation and placing connected bodies in the same plane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a traditional hinge apparatus is used to connect two portions of an electronic device, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot achieve seamless connection and cannot place the two portions in the same plane
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge apparatus is divided into multiple shafts (at least three shafts arranged side by side) connected by connecting elements, forming a segmented shaft chain structure. This segmentation allows each shaft to rotate independently while working together to achieve seamless connection and coplanar arrangement of the two portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a traditional single-axis hinge to a multi-axis shaft chain structure, adding dimensional complexity to achieve movement in multiple planes. The multiple shafts arranged side by side enable the connected portions to reach coplanar positions and achieve seamless connection that is impossible with conventional single-axis hinges.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional hinge apparatus is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but it cannot provide 360-degree rotation and flexible positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation function is segmented across multiple shafts in the shaft chain, where each shaft contributes a portion of the total rotation. This segmentation enables 360-degree rotation and flexible positioning while distributing the mechanical complexity across multiple simpler, identical components that are easier to manufacture individually.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge apparatus incorporates dynamic rotation capability through the shaft chain structure, allowing continuous movement and positioning at any angle. The connecting elements enable each shaft to rotate relative to the others, providing adaptability and versatility for various usage patterns while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the hinge apparatus uses multiple shafts and connecting elements to achieve flexible shaft effect, then seamless connection and 360-degree rotation are achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible shaft effect is achieved by segmenting the hinge into multiple identical shafts and connecting elements arranged in a chain. This modular segmentation creates the flexible shaft effect while keeping individual components simple and manageable, reducing the practical complexity despite the increased number of parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting elements are designed to nest the shafts within them, with each connecting element containing two shaft holes that accommodate adjacent shafts. This nesting arrangement consolidates the multi-shaft structure into a compact configuration, achieving flexible shaft effect while minimizing the space and complexity of the overall assembly.
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 apparatus achieves a flexible shaft effect, enabling seamless connections and 360-degree rotation, enhancing the usability and adaptability of electronic devices to various environments and usage patterns.
Implementation Method 1
Each connecting element can have two shaft holes and each two adjacent shafts can be nested into the two shaft holes respectively. Each two adjacent shafts can be rotatably connected to each other through the connecting element at both ends of the shafts.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device that includes a hinge apparatus and the hinge apparatus are described. The hinge apparatus includes n shafts, arranged side by side, wherein n is an integer equal to or greater than 3; and multiple connecting elements for rotatably connecting each two adjacent shafts so as to form a shaft chain. The hinge apparatus can achieve a flexible shaft effect and can place the two portions connected by it in the same plane.