Torque Module Assembly for Compact High-Friction Hovering Hinges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional torque modules in mechanical components, such as door locks and electronic devices, suffer from poor friction performance, inadequate hovering effect, and large structure size, which limits their application in compact devices like foldable mobile phones, where they require significant friction force without increasing overall size.
Innovation Solution
A torque module design featuring a rotating shaft with a rotating assembly, sliding assembly, and elastic member, where the rotating assembly's mating portions and sliding assembly's mating portions cooperate to generate friction, allowing the module to remain stationary and provide self-tightening and hovering functions, while maintaining a compact size by optimizing the radial dimensions and using blocking members for positional control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional torque modules are used to achieve hovering function, then the hovering effect is provided, but the friction performance is poor and the structure size is large
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding assembly is nested within the rotating assembly, with the first sliding member positioned inside the rotating assembly's radial space. The second sliding member is nested within the second blocking member. This nesting arrangement allows multiple functional components to occupy the same radial envelope, improving friction performance through increased contact surfaces without increasing the overall radial dimensions of the torque module.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional single-dimension friction generation to multi-dimensional friction generation. The sliding assembly introduces axial sliding motion in addition to the radial friction between the rotating assembly and stationary components. This multi-dimensional approach to friction generation significantly improves hovering effect while maintaining compact radial dimensions.
2Force
If conventional torque modules are used to provide friction force, then hovering function is achieved, but the structure size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the friction-generating functions into a compact integrated structure. The sliding assembly combines both sliding members and elastic members within the radial space of the rotating assembly. The first elastic member is positioned between the rotating assembly and second blocking member, while the second elastic member is between the second sliding member and second blocking member. This merging of multiple friction and elastic elements into a single radial envelope increases the total friction force available for hovering without increasing the overall module size.
3Reliability
If the sliding assembly slides away from the rotating assembly, then the first elastic member is compressed and self-tightening is achieved, but the hovering effect requires larger structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs nested positioning where the sliding assembly operates within the radial envelope of the rotating assembly. The first sliding member is positioned inside the rotating assembly, and the second sliding member is positioned inside the second blocking member. This nested arrangement allows the sliding assembly to achieve full axial travel for elastic member compression and self-tightening functionality without requiring additional radial space, thereby maintaining compact module dimensions while improving hovering effect.
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 torque module enhances friction performance and hovering effect while reducing the module's size, allowing for more compact designs that meet friction requirements without increasing overall dimensions, thus improving the performance and space efficiency in electronic devices.
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
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
Data Source
AI summary
A torque module, a rotating shaft assembly, and an electronic device. The torque module includes a rotating shaft, a first blocking member, a second blocking member, a rotating assembly, a sliding assembly, and a first elastic member. The rotating assembly is sleeved on the rotating shaft and disposed between the first blocking member and the second blocking member, and the rotating assembly is arranged with a first mating portion. The sliding assembly includes a first sliding member sleeved on the rotating shaft, and the first sliding member is arranged with a second mating portion. The first elastic member is sleeved on the rotating shaft and disposed between the rotating assembly and the second blocking member. When the sliding assembly slides away from the rotating assembly, the first elastic member is compressed and the rotating assembly remains stationary relative to the sliding assembly when the rotating assembly stops rotating.