Variable Torsion Washer for Laptop Hinges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional torsion devices with fixed torsion values are not adaptable to electronic devices requiring different torsional demands.
Innovation Solution
A torsion device comprising stacked torsion washers with a specific structure, including an external ring-shaped portion, abutting arms, and a connecting lever, allowing the first shaft to spin and adjust the torsion by interacting with the second shaft through the connecting lever, enabling variable torsion values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional torsion washer with fixed torsion value is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot be applied to electronic devices demanding different torsions
Solution Approach 1:
The torsion washer structure is made dynamic by allowing the first shaft to spin around its central axis within a predetermined angle range. This spinning motion changes the relative position between the first shaft and the first abutting portion, thereby dynamically adjusting the interference distance and achieving variable torsion values. The dynamic adjustment mechanism resolves the contradiction by enabling adaptability without requiring multiple different washer designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the interference distance parameter by spinning the first shaft to different angular positions. As the first shaft rotates, the interference distance between the first shaft and the first abutting portion varies, which directly changes the torsion value. This parameter change approach allows a single washer structure to provide multiple torsion values, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the first shaft is spun to different positions to provide different torsion values, then adaptability is improved, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The first shaft serves multiple functions: it acts as both a rotating adjustment mechanism and a torsion transmission element. By spinning the first shaft, the user can adjust the torsion value, and the same shaft then transmits the selected torsion value to the second shaft. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate adjustment mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in complexity while achieving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The torsion washer structure uses itself to provide adjustment functionality. The spinning of the first shaft directly changes the interference distance within the existing washer structure, without requiring external adjustment mechanisms or additional components. The system adjusts its own torsion characteristic through the relative motion of its existing parts, minimizing complexity increase.
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
Enables the provision of different torsion values as the first shaft is spun to different positions, making the device suitable for electronic devices with varying torque requirements, such as a laptop's touch-control screen and keyboard.
Implementation Method 1
The distance between a first abutting portion of the first abutting arm and the first center of circle is defined as an interference distance that is less than a first radius of the first arc segment
Data Source
AI summary
A torsion washer integrally formed as a one-piece structure includes an external ring-shaped portion, a first abutting arm and a second abutting arm both separately extending from an inner edge of the external ring-shaped portion, and a connecting lever connecting the first and second abutting arms. The inner edge includes a first arc segment and an opposite second arc segment, and centers of circle of the first and second arc segments are located in a space surrounded by the inner edge. Free ends of the first and second abutting arms do not contact the inner edge. A distance between a first abutting portion of the first abutting arm and the first center of circle is less than a radius of the first arc segment. The connecting lever is spaced apart from the inner edge, allowing the first and second abutting arms to be interlinked with each other.