Two-Axis Hinge Assembly for Handheld Electronic Magnifier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current handheld electronic magnifiers for low-vision individuals have limitations in ergonomics, ease of handle rotation, and mechanical stability, making them less convenient and effective for daily use.
Innovation Solution
A handheld electronic magnifier with a two-axis hinge assembly that allows the handle to rotate independently about two perpendicular axes, enabling multiple use modes such as compact, desktop, and grasping configurations, enhancing user convenience and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single-axis hinge is used to connect the handle to the casing, then the device structure is simple, but the handle can only rotate in one direction and cannot provide multiple use modes
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is segmented into two independent rotational axes: a first hinge axis extending along the length of the casing for rotating the handle toward and away from the camera face, and a second hinge axis extending along the width of the handle for rotating the handle to different orientations. This segmentation allows the handle to achieve multiple use modes (compact, desktop, grasping) while maintaining relatively simple individual hinge components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-axis rotation to a two-axis rotation system by adding another dimension of movement. The first hinge axis provides rotation in one direction (toward/away from camera face), while the second hinge axis perpendicular to it provides rotation in a different direction (different orientations), enabling versatile positioning in three-dimensional space.
2Ease of operation
If the handle is designed for easy rotation between orientations, then the ease of operation is improved, but the mechanical stability when grasped may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly provides dynamic adjustability, allowing the handle to be easily rotated between different orientations (compact, desktop, grasping modes) according to user needs. The two perpendicular hinge axes enable smooth transitions between configurations while maintaining mechanical stability in each selected position through the hinge structure's inherent support.
Data Source
AI summary
A handheld electronic magnifier for providing a magnified representation of an object is provided. The magnifier includes a casing having a camera face and an opposed display face, a camera inside the casing for acquiring an image of the object, and a display extending along the display face for displaying the magnified representation of the object based on the image acquired by the camera. The handheld electronic magnifier also includes a handle and a two-axis hinge assembly rotatably connecting the casing and the handle about orthogonal first and second hinge axes extending respectively along a length of the casing and a width of the handle. The two-axis hinge assembly includes a longitudinal and a transverse hinge member rigidly fixed to each other and extending along the first and second hinge axes, respectively. The longitudinal and transverse hinge members are rotatably connected to the casing and the handle, respectively.