Sliding Hinge Rivet Elimination via Curved Interlock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sliding hinges in electronic devices, such as mobile phones and PDAs, face challenges in miniaturization due to the thickness increase caused by rivets used for assembly, which hinder the reduction of device thickness and compact design.
Innovation Solution
A sliding hinge design that eliminates the need for rivets by using L-shaped connection portions with curved recesses and matching curved ends of elastic modules, allowing for a thinner profile by aligning components in the same horizontal plane, thereby reducing the overall thickness and enabling miniaturization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rivets are used to connect the elastic module and the first member, then the assembly is secure and reliable, but the thickness of the sliding hinge increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection portion and the elastic module are integrated into a unified structure where the curved recess of the connection portion directly receives the curved end of the elastic module. This merging eliminates the need for separate rivets, achieving both secure connection and thickness reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection transitions from a vertical overlapping arrangement (requiring rivets through the Z-direction) to a horizontal planar arrangement where the curved recess and curved end interface in the same horizontal plane. This dimensional change eliminates the need for thick rivets while maintaining connection reliability.
2Strength
If rivets with considerable length are used for assembly, then the elastic module and connection portion are securely fastened, but the device thickness reduction and miniaturization become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening function is integrated into the structural geometry of the connection portion and elastic module themselves. The curved recess and curved end form an inherent mechanical interlock that provides secure fastening without requiring additional fastening elements like long rivets.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening mechanism moves from the vertical Z-direction (requiring long rivets to penetrate through overlapping components) to a horizontal planar interface where the curved geometries interlock laterally. This eliminates the need for considerable rivet length while maintaining fastening strength.
3Ease of manufacture
If the elastic module and connection portion overlap in the Z direction to allow rivet insertion, then the assembly can be manufactured, but the thickness of the sliding hinge increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing interface is simplified by merging the connection portion and elastic module into a single-planar assembly. The curved recess and curved end are designed to interface horizontally, eliminating the need for complex multi-layer Z-direction stacking and rivet insertion processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The manufacturing approach transitions from vertical Z-direction assembly (requiring component overlap and rivet insertion through multiple layers) to horizontal planar assembly where components interface in the same plane. This simplifies manufacturing while reducing thickness.
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
This design reduces the internal thickness of the sliding hinge, facilitating the miniaturization of electronic devices by eliminating the need for rivets and allowing for more compact designs without compromising the semi-auto sliding functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic module provides an elastic force to facilitate semi-auto sliding therebetween
Data Source
AI summary
A sliding hinge is provide, including a first member, a cover, a bottom cover movable relative to the first member, a sling plate fixed to the bottom cover, and an elastic module. The first member has a main body and a connection portion protruding therefrom, wherein the connection portion has a recess. The cover is fixed to the connection portion, wherein the cover and the first member form a space therebetween to receive the sling plate and the elastic module. The elastic module has an end received in the recess.