Torque Module Assembly for Compact Hinge Friction and Hovering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional torque modules exhibit poor friction performance, poor hovering effect, and large structure size, which limits the space for other components in devices like foldable mobile phones, reducing their performance and battery capacity.

Innovation Solution

A torque module design featuring a rotating shaft, blocking members, rotating assembly, sliding assembly, and elastic member, where the rotating assembly's rotation causes the sliding assembly to slide, and the elastic member compresses to provide friction and maintain the assembly's stationary state, reducing the overall size by optimizing component dimensions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If conventional torque module structures are used, then the hovering function is achieved, but the structure size is large and friction performance is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque module sizeVSAvoidfriction performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The torque module is divided into distinct functional components: a rotating assembly with rotating member, a sliding assembly with sliding member, and elastic members. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while collectively achieving compact size and improved friction performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The design incorporates dynamic interaction between rotating and sliding assemblies through elastic members. The elastic members dynamically adjust the friction force based on the rotation state, providing adaptive friction control that improves hovering performance while maintaining compact dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If conventional torque module structures are used, then the hovering function is achieved, but the friction performance is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefriction performanceVSAvoidtorque module size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Elastic members serve as intermediaries between the rotating assembly and sliding assembly. These elastic members transmit and modulate forces, enabling controlled friction interaction without requiring large contact surfaces or complex mechanical structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The friction force is controlled by changing the elastic force parameters of the elastic members. By adjusting the elastic properties and pre-compression forces, the friction torque can be precisely controlled to achieve optimal hovering performance in a compact design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If larger torque module structure is used, then friction performance may be improved, but the space for other components is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehovering effectVSAvoiddevice component density
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The sliding assembly is nested within the rotating assembly structure, with the sliding member positioned inside the rotating member. This nested configuration maximizes space utilization and allows the torque module to achieve high hovering performance in a compact footprint, leaving more space for other device components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Reliability

If the sliding assembly slides away from the rotating assembly, then the elastic member compresses to provide friction, but the structure requires precise positioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefriction controlVSAvoidcomponent positioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic members are pre-compressed during assembly to establish the initial friction force. This preliminary action ensures that the friction control mechanism is already engaged and positioned correctly before operation, reducing the need for high-precision positioning during manufacturing and assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 design enhances friction performance, improves hovering effect, and reduces the module's size, allowing for more compact electronic devices with better energy efficiency and stability.

Implementation Method 1

a first elastic member, sleeved on the rotating shaft and disposed between the rotating assembly and the second blocking member; wherein a rotation of the rotating assembly enables the first mating portion and the second mating portion to cooperate with each other, and the sliding assembly is caused to slide in a direction close to or away from the rotating assembly; in condition of the sliding assembly sliding in the direction away from the rotating assembly, the first elastic member is in a compressed state

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the first mating portion and the second mating portion abut against each other, and the rotating assembly is caused to remain stationary relative to the sliding assembly in condition of the rotating assembly stopping rotating

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4459140B1Torque module, rotating shaft assembly, and electronic device
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • EP4459140B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4459140B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP4459140B1 patent drawingFigure 7~9

AI summary

A torque module (1), a rotating shaft assembly (2), and an electronic device (3). The torque module (1) comprises a rotating shaft (11), a first blocking member (12), a second blocking member (13), a rotating assembly (14), a sliding assembly (15), and a first elastic member (16); a first engagement part (1411) is provided on the side of the portion of the rotating assembly (14), sleeved on the rotating shaft (11), close to the first blocking member (12); the sliding assembly (15) comprises a first sliding member (151); a second engagement part (1511) is provided on the side of the first sliding member (151), sleeved on the rotating shaft (11), close to the first engagement part (1411); and when the sliding assembly (15) slides in a direction away from the rotating assembly (14), the first elastic member (16) is in a compressed state, and the first engagement part (1411) and the second engagement part (1511) abut against each other, such that when the rotating assembly (14) stops rotating, the rotating assembly (14) is stationary relative to the sliding assembly (15). By means of the mutual cooperation of the first engagement part (1411), the second engagement part (1511), and the first elastic member (16), the torque module (1) can provide greater friction force and improve friction performance, hovering and self-tightening effects, and the structural compactness of the torque module.