Stand Hinge Structure With Variable Torque for Easy Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing hinge structures in electronic devices, used for mounting stand members, are prone to wear and tear due to frequent use, leading to reduced operational precision and reliability, and often require high torque for opening, making them difficult to manipulate.
Innovation Solution
A hinge structure comprising a base member, first and second rotatable members, and a torque generating structure that converts rotational motion into rectilinear motion, providing a controlled torque and a free play zone for easy manipulation, ensuring reliability even with frequent use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hinge structure with gear mechanism and compressive springs is used to allow the stand member to be unfolded at a certain angle, then the stand member can be mounted at a predetermined angle, but the gear mechanism is easily worn out due to frequent use, remarkably reducing the operating precision and lowering the reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the gear mechanism from the hinge structure, extracting only the essential function of angle control. The simplified hinge structure retains the base member and rotatable member connection while eliminating the problematic gear components that caused wear and reliability issues during frequent use.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge structure is segmented into functional components: base member, rotatable member, and torque generating structure. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, reducing overall complexity while maintaining the ability to control the stand member at predetermined angles through the torque generating mechanism.
2Force
If a hinge structure with gear mechanism and compressive springs is used to provide strong torque in all operating zones, then the stand member can be held at various angles, but it becomes difficult to open the stand member from the electronic device
Solution Approach 1:
The torque generating structure uses a cam mechanism with a variable torque profile that dynamically adjusts the torque throughout the opening range. In the initial opening zone, the cam profile provides low torque resistance allowing easy opening, while in the holding zone, it generates sufficient torque to maintain the stand member at the desired angle.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam profile parameters are specifically designed to change the torque output at different angular positions. The cam geometry creates a torque curve that transitions from low torque during opening to high torque during angle maintenance, optimizing both ease of operation and angular stability.
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 proposed hinge structure enhances operational reliability and convenience by maintaining performance over time and simplifying the opening mechanism, reducing the initial torque required for opening, thus improving user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a torque generating structure which converts a rotational motion into a rectilinear motion, and provides a torque in accordance with a rotation of the second rotatable member
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
An electronic device including a hinge structure disposed on a plate, and a stand member disposed to be rotated at a predetermined angle from the plate by using the hinge structure, is provided. The hinge structure includes a base member including at least one guide hole, a first rotatable member disposed on the base member and rotatable about a first axis, a second rotatable member disposed on the first rotatable member and rotatable about the first axis, and fixed to the stand member, at least one link each including one portion rotatably arranged with respect to a second axis disposed near the first axis, another portion guided through the at least one guide hole in accordance with a movement of the second axis, and a torque generating structure including an axis coinciding with the second axis, and providing a torque in accordance with a rotation of the second rotatable member.