Constant Force Spring Hinge for Motorless Display Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinge modules that provide constant-speed sliding and rotating motion require motors or actuators, leading to increased complexity, potential failures, and higher costs, as well as the need for electricity, which is undesirable.
Innovation Solution
A sliding and rotating hinge module utilizing a bracket, slider, support member, drum, constant force spring, and damping mechanism, where the constant force spring biases the slider for extended position and damping mechanism ensures smooth motion without the need for motors or electricity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If motors or actuators are used to provide constant-speed sliding and rotating motion, then the motion control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces motorized actuation with a purely mechanical system consisting of a constant force spring wrapped around a drum and a damping mechanism. The constant force spring provides the driving force through unwinding, while the damping mechanism controls the speed, eliminating the need for motors or electrical actuators while maintaining constant-speed motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge module is self-actuating through the constant force spring mechanism. The spring automatically unwinds to provide motion, and the damping mechanism automatically regulates the speed, requiring no external power source or control system. The system serves itself by converting stored mechanical energy into controlled motion.
2Speed
If motors or actuators are used to provide constant-speed sliding and rotating motion, then the motion control is improved, but the reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing motorized systems with a passive mechanical system using a constant force spring and damping mechanism, the patent eliminates components prone to failure such as motors, electrical connections, and power supplies. The mechanical system has fewer moving parts and no electrical components, thereby improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the motor and electrical actuation components from the hinge system, retaining only the essential mechanical elements needed for constant-speed motion. This extraction of unnecessary complex components directly improves reliability by reducing failure points.
3Speed
If motors or actuators are used to provide constant-speed sliding and rotating motion, then the motion control is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes expensive motorized actuation systems with inexpensive mechanical components such as a constant force spring, drum, and damping mechanism. These simpler mechanical parts are easier and cheaper to manufacture, assemble, and maintain, significantly reducing production costs while achieving the same functional result.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive mechanical components that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. The constant force spring and damping mechanism are basic mechanical elements that are far cheaper than motors or actuators, making the overall hinge module more cost-effective.
4Speed
If motors or actuators are used to provide constant-speed sliding and rotating motion, then the motion control is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical motor actuation with a mechanical constant force spring system that converts stored mechanical potential energy into kinetic energy for motion. This eliminates the need for electrical power consumption, making the hinge module energy-independent and suitable for applications where power availability is limited.
Solution Approach 2:
The constant force spring is pre-loaded and stores mechanical energy in advance, ready to provide the driving force for motion. This preliminary energy storage eliminates the need for real-time electrical power input during operation, as the system uses the pre-stored mechanical energy to drive the sliding and rotating motion.
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 module achieves constant-speed sliding and rotating motion with reduced complexity and cost, providing smooth and non-abrupt movement without electrical power, enhancing reliability and usability.
Implementation Method 1
The constant force spring is biased to wrap around the drum, the constant force spring unwrapping from the drum as the slider moves toward the retracted position. The constant force spring biases the slider toward the extended position.
Implementation Method 2
A damping mechanism damps the rotational motion of the drum relative to the bracket for smooth, non-abrupt movement of the slider.
Data Source
AI summary
A sliding and rotating hinge module for supporting a display screen or the like, includes a bracket, a slider and a support member. The slider is capable of sliding movement relative to the bracket and the support member is capable of pivotal movement relative to the slider. A drum is rotationally supported by the bracket. A constant force spring is attached to the drum at one end and to the slider at the other end. The constant force spring is biased to wrap around the drum, the constant force spring unwrapping from the drum as the slider moves toward the retracted position. The constant force spring biases the slider toward the extended position. A damping mechanism damps the rotational motion of the drum relative to the bracket for smooth, non-abrupt movement of the slider.