Pivot Structure with Elastic Expansion and Segmented Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing pivot structures for electronic devices, such as notebook computers and smartphones, often face difficulties in being easily expanded and fixed to a desired angle due to excessive pivot torque, making them inconvenient to use.
Innovation Solution
A pivot structure comprising a base, a bracket, an elastic member, and a positioning assembly with a linkage member and a sleeve, allowing the bracket to expand automatically through elastic force and fix the angle using a releasing and positioning segment, preventing unexpected rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the pivot torque between the stand and the electronic device is excessively large, then the stand structure is stable and can maintain expanding angle, but the user is hard to expand the stand closed to the electronic device
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning assembly is segmented into a releasing segment and a positioning segment, allowing the stand to transition between different states. The releasing segment enables easy closing by reducing resistance, while the positioning segment provides stable angle fixation when expanded
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot structure transitions from a static high-torque design to a dynamic system where the effective torque changes based on the stand's expansion state. When closing, the positioning portion moves along the releasing segment, dynamically reducing resistance. When expanded, it engages the positioning segment to dynamically increase stability
2Ease of operation
If the pivot torque is excessively small, then the user can easily expand the stand closed to the electronic device, but an expanding angle of the stand relative to the electronic device is hard to be fixed
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning assembly is divided into two functional segments: the releasing segment with larger inner diameter that facilitates easy closing, and the positioning segment with smaller inner diameter that provides stable angle fixation when the bracket is expanded
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning portion acts as an intermediary element that interacts differently with the two segments of the positioning assembly. It slides along the releasing segment during closing and engages with the positioning segment during expansion, mediating between the conflicting requirements of ease of operation and stability
3Stability of the object's composition
If a positioning assembly is added to fix the expanding angle, then the stand can maintain a fixed angle, but the stand becomes hard to close due to the positioning effect
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning assembly is segmented into a releasing segment and a positioning segment with different inner diameters. The releasing segment has a larger inner diameter that allows the positioning portion to pass through easily during closing, eliminating the positioning effect's resistance. The positioning segment has a smaller inner diameter that engages the positioning portion to fix the expanding angle when expanded
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning assembly dynamically changes its function based on the bracket's state. During closing, it acts as a guide (releasing segment). During expansion, it transitions to a locking mechanism (positioning segment), adapting its resistance characteristics to the operational phase
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
Enhances the convenience of using the stand by allowing easy expansion and fixing of the angle, preventing the stand from being hard to close or unexpectedly rotating relative to the electronic device.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic member is disposed on the base, and the bracket is adapted to contact the elastic member and resist an elastic force of the elastic member to be closed to the base
Implementation Method 2
The positioning assembly includes a linkage member and a sleeve. The linkage member is pivoted to the bracket and has a positioning portion. The sleeve is pivoted to the base. The sleeve is fitted around the linkage member and has a releasing segment and a positioning segment
Data Source
AI summary
A pivot structure includes a base, a bracket, an elastic member and a positioning assembly. The bracket is rotatably connected to the base. The elastic member is disposed on the base. The positioning assembly includes a linkage member and a sleeve. The linkage member is pivoted to the bracket and has a positioning portion. The sleeve is pivoted to the base. The sleeve is fitted around the linkage member and has a releasing segment and a positioning segment. The bracket is adapted to be expanded to a first expanding state relative to the base by the elastic force of the elastic member, so as to drive the positioning portion to move along the releasing segment. The bracket is adapted to receive an external force to be continually expanded to a second expanding state relative to the base, so as to drive the positioning portion to move to the positioning segment.