Thin Hinge Device Using Nested Arcuate Slots and Protrusions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinge devices for electronic devices, particularly those connecting tablets and kickstands, are not thin enough and require complex manufacturing processes, making them costly and difficult to produce.
Innovation Solution
A hinge device comprising a base seat, a coupling member, and a sliding member with arcuate slots and protrusions that allow for folding and unfolding movements, enabling a compact and thin design with a simple assembly process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If conventional hinge structures are used to connect electronic devices and kickstands, then the hinge can provide folding and unfolding functionality, but the hinge becomes too thick and requires complex manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge device is divided into three separate members: a base seat, a coupling member, and a sliding member. Each member is independently formed with specific features (arcuate slots, protrusions, stops) that work together to enable the folding mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using simple processes and then assembled, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while achieving a thin profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding member is inserted through the coupling member and base seat in a nested arrangement. The sliding member passes through arcuate slots in the coupling member and base seat, with protrusions engaging these slots to create the folding mechanism. This nested structure allows the hinge to achieve a compact, thin profile while maintaining functionality through simple geometric interactions rather than complex machining.
2Ease of manufacture
If the hinge structure is simplified to reduce manufacturing complexity, then the manufacturing process becomes easier and cost-effective, but the hinge may lose folding functionality or structural stability
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge utilizes arcuate slots and arcuate protrusions with defined centers of curvature to enable controlled rotational movement. The curved geometry of the slots and protrusions guides the sliding member's path during folding and unfolding, providing reliable mechanical guidance and positioning without requiring complex bearings or pivot mechanisms. This curved geometric approach maintains folding functionality while keeping the structure simple and manufacturable.
Solution Approach 2:
The arcuate slots are pre-formed in the base seat and coupling member with specific curvature radii and positions. The sliding member is pre-configured with protrusions that match these slot geometries. This preliminary configuration of the geometric features ensures that when the components are assembled, the folding functionality is automatically enabled through the predetermined curved paths, eliminating the need for complex adjustment mechanisms and ensuring reliable operation.
3Length of moving object
If multiple components are used to achieve thin profile, then the hinge becomes thinner and more compact, but the assembly process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of assembling components from the outside in or using complex fastening mechanisms, the sliding member is inserted through the coupling member and base seat in a straightforward linear insertion. The protrusions on the sliding member automatically engage with the pre-formed arcuate slots, creating the folding mechanism through the insertion action itself rather than requiring separate fastening steps. This inverted assembly approach reduces complexity while achieving the thin multi-component profile.
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge device for connecting first and second objects includes a base seat and a sliding member slidably connected to the base seat through a coupling member to be turned about a rotating axis between folded and unfolded states. In the folded state, first and second object connecting sections of the base seat and the sliding member are disposed at two opposite sides of a mounting section of the base seat to allow folding of the objects to each other. In the unfolded state, the second object connecting section is placed above the first object connecting section to allow the second object to be unfolded and inclined to the first object.