Torsion-Varying Hinge for KVM Display Torque Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional KVM modules with constant torsion hinges require excessive user effort due to varying gravitational torque at different angles, making it difficult to manipulate larger and heavier flat panel displays, and may lead to user injury or equipment damage.
Innovation Solution
A torsion-varying hinge with a fixed, swiveled, and torsion parts, where the torsion part, typically a spring, adjusts to provide assisting torque while folding and unfolding the flat panel display, reducing the force needed and securing it at any position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a constant torsion hinge is used to support larger and heavier flat panel displays, then the hinge provides sufficient torsion to secure the display at any position, but users have to apply more energy to swivel the display due to excess torsion, making it difficult to manipulate
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge transitions from a static constant torsion design to a dynamic torsion-varying design that automatically adjusts its torsion output based on the display's angular position. The torsion spring is pre-loaded at a specific angle (e.g., 45 degrees) to provide optimal assistance during the folding/unfolding process, while maintaining sufficient holding torque at all positions. This dynamic adaptation allows the hinge to provide exactly the right amount of torsion at each stage of movement, reducing user effort without compromising security.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge design changes the torsion parameter as a function of the angular position parameter. By carefully selecting the spring constant and pre-load angle of the torsion spring, the system achieves a non-linear torsion output that matches the gravitational torque requirements at different angles. This parameter optimization ensures that the hinge provides maximum assistance when needed (during movement) while maintaining adequate holding force at rest positions, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and secure positioning.
2Reliability
If a hinge with larger torsion is designed to support larger and heavier flat panel displays, then the display can be securely held at any position, but users must apply more force to swivel the display, increasing the risk of injury or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge system dynamically adjusts its torsional characteristics based on the display's angular position, providing optimal support where needed while minimizing resistance where it could cause harm. The pre-loaded torsion spring is configured to engage at specific angles, automatically providing the necessary holding torque to prevent accidental movement or collapse, while allowing smooth, low-effort manipulation during the folding and unfolding process. This dynamic behavior eliminates the need for excessive constant torsion that would otherwise create injury risks.
3Device complexity
If a constant torsion hinge is used, then the structure is simple and reliable, but it cannot adapt to varying gravitational torque at different angles, causing excessive user effort
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge incorporates a torsion spring with optimized pre-load characteristics that change the torsion parameter according to the angular position. By selecting appropriate spring constants and pre-load angles, the system achieves a non-linear torsion output that naturally compensates for varying gravitational torque at different angles. This parameter optimization allows the hinge to provide maximum assistance during the critical folding/unfolding phases while maintaining simple overall structure and reliable operation throughout the range of motion.
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 torsion-varying hinge reduces the effort required to fold or unfold the display, preventing user injury and equipment damage by dynamically adjusting to gravitational forces, ensuring smooth operation and secure positioning.
Implementation Method 1
The torsion part provides an assisting torsion while folding and unfolding the flat panel display module
Implementation Method 2
The hinge mainly comprises a fixed part, a swiveled part, a shaft and a torsion part. The torsion part is disposed around the shaft, and engages in the fixed part and the swiveled part at two ends
Implementation Method 3
the gravitational effect on the flat panel display may change according to its position, i.e., different torque at different angle and causes different gravitational pull
Data Source
AI summary
A console KVM module includes a main base, a flat panel display module and a torsion-varying hinge. A torsion-varying hinge links the flat panel display module with the main base such that the flat panel display module can fold against or unfold away from the main base. The torsion-varying hinge mainly comprises a fixed part, a swiveled part, a shaft and a torsion part. The fixed part is secured to the main base. The swiveled part is secured to the flat panel display module. The swiveled part is pivotally connected with the fixed part by the shaft. A torsion part is disposed around the shaft and engaged in the fixed part and the swiveled part at two ends, wherein the torsion part provides an assisting torsion while folding and unfolding the flat panel display module.