Torque Hinge Structure With Punched Positioning Convex Portions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hinge structures for miniaturized image capturing devices face challenges in providing sufficient internal space for torque elements while maintaining structural integrity, as the rolling process used to form convex positioning features can lead to stress concentration and structural damage.

Innovation Solution

A hinge structure with a base featuring axial holes and positioning concave portions, where the torque element is formed with a torque providing portion and positioning convex portions on the same virtual plane, allowing for direct punching and assembly without screw locking, thereby reducing configuration space and preventing stress concentration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the torque element is miniaturized to reduce device volume, then the configuration space is reduced, but sufficient internal space for screw-locking assembly cannot be provided

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevolume of hinge structureVSAvoidassembly method

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning convex portions are integrated directly into the torque element body through punching, merging the positioning function with the torque element structure itself, eliminating the need for separate screw-locking components and assembly steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning convex portions are extracted as distinct features from the torque element body, allowing them to be precisely formed through punching while maintaining the compact overall structure of the miniaturized hinge

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of manufacture

If the positioning convex portion is formed by rolling process with convex forming, then the torque element can be assembled, but the convex may be deviated and prone to stress concentration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly capabilityVSAvoidstructural strength of torque element

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The rolling process with convex forming is replaced by a direct punching method, substituting a complex multi-step mechanical forming process with a simpler, more precise punching operation that forms the positioning convex portions in one step without subsequent convex forming that could cause deviation or stress concentration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning convex portions are pre-formed during the punching process itself rather than being added later through convex forming, ensuring they are created at the correct position and shape from the beginning, preventing deviation and stress concentration issues

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the torque element is deformed by force during assembly, then the torque element can be installed, but cracks may form at stress concentration positions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly processVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The torque providing portion is designed with a fracture adjacent to the through hole, creating a localized flexibility zone that allows controlled deformation during assembly while the rest of the torque element maintains its structural integrity and resistance to cracking

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The fracture in the torque providing portion acts as a predetermined stress relief feature that absorbs deformation forces during assembly before they can propagate to the positioning convex portions, preventing cracks from forming at critical stress concentration points

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS11686139B2Hinge structure

Publication Date: 2023.06.27 COMPAL ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

A hinge structure includes: a base having an axial hole whose an inner wall has positioning concave portions; at least one torque element, disposed in the axial hole and includes a torque providing portion and positioning convex portions; and a rotation shaft, passing through the through hole. The torque providing portion surrounds a central axis of the axial hole to form a through hole, the torque providing portion has a fracture adjacent to the through hole, and the positioning convex portions are connected to the torque providing portion and correspond to the positioning concave portions respectively. The torque providing portion and the positioning convex portions are located on a same virtual plane perpendicular to the center axis. A first virtual straight line on the virtual plane passes through the fracture and the center axis, and at least some positioning convex portions are not located on the first virtual straight line.