Multi-step hinge with arc groove for portable terminal angle adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Portable terminals, such as smartphones and tablets, cause user fatigue due to prolonged holding and require bulky antennas for satellite DMB reception, which increases device size and weight, and existing tilting solutions offer fixed angles, limiting user comfort and convenience.
Innovation Solution
A multi-step hinge mechanism with a rotary member, stopper, and resilient member that allows adjustable angular positioning of portable terminals, enabling comfortable viewing angles and preventing arbitrary pivoting, while maintaining a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed-angle tilting device is used to support the portable terminal, then the terminal can be viewed without excessive fatigue, but the viewing angle cannot be adjusted according to individual user preferences
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge device transitions from a fixed-angle design to a dynamic multi-angle design. The stopper can be positioned at multiple discrete angular positions along the arc-shaped groove, allowing the terminal to be held at various viewing angles. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction by providing both viewing comfort (through stable angular positioning) and adaptability (through multiple可选择 angles).
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the angular parameter of the terminal by allowing the stopper to be positioned at different locations along the arc-shaped groove. Each position corresponds to a specific viewing angle, enabling users to adjust the parameter (angle) according to their preferences while maintaining stable support for comfortable viewing.
2Reliability
If diversity technique with multiple antennas is employed to receive satellite DMB, then reception capability is improved, but the device becomes bulky and heavier
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the antenna from the main device body and integrates it into the rotatable support leg. This separation allows the antenna to be positioned independently, enabling satellite DMB reception without adding weight to the main device body. The antenna is taken out as a separate component that can be strategically placed in the support structure.
3Ease of operation
If the support leg is designed to be rotatable for angle adjustment, then viewing comfort is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge device is segmented into distinct functional components: the support leg, the rotatable connection structure, the stopper, and the arc-shaped groove. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function simply, reducing overall complexity. The stopper moves along the pre-formed arc-shaped groove, which guides the rotation path, simplifying the control mechanism compared to an active motorized system.
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 users to comfortably view content at various angles without fatigue and reduces device size by allowing adjustable inclination, enhancing user experience and portability.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member urging the stopper
Implementation Method 2
a rotary member rotatably installed inside of the housing
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a multi-step hinge. The hinge includes a housing. A rotary member is rotatably installed inside of the housing. The rotary member has a retainer groove formed in the outer circumferential face thereof. A stopper is slidably installed at either side of the rotary member inside of the housing. The stopper has a retainer protrusion formed so as to be engaged with the retainer groove. A resilient member is disposed between the housing and the stopper. A portable terminal having the multi-step hinge is also disclosed.