Torque Module with Nested Sliding Assembly for Compact Hinge Design
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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 endurance.
Innovation Solution
A torque module design featuring a rotating shaft with a first and second blocking member, a rotating assembly, a sliding assembly, and an elastic member, where the rotating assembly's mating portions cooperate with the sliding assembly to achieve hovering and self-tightening, with the elastic member compressing to maintain the rotating assembly's stationary state relative to the sliding assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering 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
Solution Approach 1:
The torque module is divided into multiple functional components: a rotating assembly with first mating portion, a sliding assembly with second mating portion, and an elastic member. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, improving friction performance while maintaining a compact overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding assembly is sleeved on the rotating shaft, and the rotating assembly is disposed between blocking members on the rotating shaft. This nested arrangement allows multiple components to occupy overlapping spatial volumes, significantly reducing the overall structure size while maintaining effective friction engagement.
2Reliability
If conventional torque module structures are used, then the hovering function is achieved, but the friction performance is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The first mating portion and second mating portion are designed with specific local geometries that concentrate friction forces at critical contact points. This local quality enhancement improves friction performance without requiring a proportional increase in overall structure size.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member dynamically adjusts the engagement force between the mating portions during rotation, optimizing friction performance across different operating conditions. This dynamic adjustment allows effective friction engagement in a compact structure.
3Ease of operation
If the rotating assembly rotates, then the mating portions cooperate to enable sliding, but the rotating assembly may become unstable when stopping
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member is pre-configured to provide a restoring force that counteracts the rotation of the rotating assembly when it stops. This preliminary anti-action ensures the rotating assembly returns to and remains in a stable stationary position, preventing instability while maintaining sliding functionality during rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member provides continuous feedback force based on the rotational position of the rotating assembly. When the assembly deviates from the stationary position, the elastic member generates a restoring force that pushes it back, ensuring stable stationary state while allowing controlled sliding during rotation.
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 improves friction performance, reduces structure size, and enhances the stability and service life of the torque module, allowing for more efficient use of internal space in 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
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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Figure 7~9
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.