Gear-Linked Support Plate Hinge for Stable Fold-Out Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices with integrated support plates struggle to maintain a stable accommodated state and cradling position, as the support plate may protrude unintentionally or fail to maintain a stable inclination angle, affecting portability and usability.
Innovation Solution
A hinge structure with a gear module system that includes straight-toothed spur gears and guide structures, generating frictional forces to stabilize the support plate's position, allowing it to pivot smoothly and maintain angles without external cradles, while being concealed within the device's housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the support plate is integrated into the housing to enable cradling without external cradles, then portability is improved, but the device cannot stably maintain the accommodated state or cradling position
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge structure enables the support plate to dynamically transition between accommodated and cradled states while maintaining stability in each state through friction forces generated during pivoting motion
Solution Approach 2:
The friction characteristics of the hinge structure change during operation, generating kinetic friction during movement and static friction during stationary states to maintain stable positioning
2Adaptability or versatility
If the support plate is made protrudable for cradling, then cradling functionality is improved, but the accommodated state cannot be stably maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge structure allows the support plate to be protruded when needed for cradling while maintaining stable accommodation when not in use, enabling dynamic adaptation between states
3Device complexity
If a simple hinge structure is used to couple the support plate, then device complexity is reduced, but the inclination angle cannot be stably maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge structure utilizes friction force parameters to maintain stable inclination angles during cradling without requiring complex mechanical locking mechanisms
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 structure ensures stable accommodation and cradling of the support plate, enhancing operational feel and maintaining the device's portability by providing kinetic and static friction forces, thus preventing unintentional protrusion and ensuring stable angle maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
capable of stably maintaining a stationary state while generating a friction force (a kinetic friction force or a static friction force)
Implementation Method 2
a first shaft including a first straight-toothed spur gear rotatable around a second axis parallel to the first axis; a second shaft including a second straight-toothed spur gear rotatable around a third axis parallel to the first axis
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention comprises: a housing including a front surface and a rear surface facing the direction opposite to the front surface; a support plate rotatably coupled to the rear surface of the housing, and rotating around a first axis from a position in which the support plate is in close contact with a partial area of the rear surface to an open state in which the support plate forms an angle with respect to the rear surface; and a hinge structure having at least a portion accommodated inside the housing, and rotatably coupling the support plate to the housing. Therein, the hinge structure can comprise: a first guide member mounted on and fixed to the inner side surface of the housing; a second guide member mounted on and fixed to one surface of the support plate; and a gear module for linking the first guide member and the second guide member, wherein the first axis can be positioned on the rear surface on the outside of the housing. The electronic device can vary according to embodiments.