Vertical Torque Hinge Assembly for Stable Touch Display Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hinges in electronic devices, such as laptop computers and mobile phones, fail to provide sufficient torque to hold the display in a selected position, especially when incorporating pen-based functions or touchscreen technology, due to insufficient frictional force to counteract the weight of the display and user input.
Innovation Solution
A hinge assembly combining a band torque engine and a vertical torque engine, which includes a second shaft perpendicular to the first shaft with a spring, providing both frictional and vertical frictional torque to stabilize the display at multiple positions through a multi-friction torque mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a traditional hinge assembly is used, then the device structure remains simple, but the torque generated is insufficient to hold the display in selected positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a band torque engine and a vertical torque engine into a single hinge assembly. The band torque engine generates frictional torque through a band and drum mechanism, while the vertical torque engine generates vertical frictional torque through a shaft and friction surface. These two torque engines are integrated to work together, providing both horizontal and vertical torque components that collectively hold the display in selected positions against gravity and user input forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the band torque engine with its band, drum, and bearing portions; the vertical torque engine with its shaft and friction surfaces; and the connection members linking them. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific torque-generating function while maintaining overall integration. The modular structure enables independent adjustment and maintenance of each torque mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the display housing is made heavier to incorporate pen-based functions or touchscreen technology, then the device functionality is improved, but the existing hinge torque becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The dual torque engine configuration merges horizontal frictional torque from the band mechanism with vertical frictional torque from the shaft mechanism. This combination creates a multi-directional torque system that can counteract the increased weight and external forces from pen-based functions or touchscreen technology, providing sufficient holding force for enhanced device functionality.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the frictional torque is increased to hold the display firmly, then the positioning stability is improved, but the rotation smoothness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The torque generation is segmented into two independent mechanisms: the band torque engine for horizontal frictional torque and the vertical torque engine for vertical frictional torque. This segmentation allows each mechanism to contribute to positioning stability without requiring excessive friction from a single source, thereby maintaining rotation smoothness. The bearing portions in the band torque engine further reduce friction during rotation while the friction surfaces in the vertical torque engine provide holding force.
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 combination of band and vertical torque engines in the hinge assembly ensures smooth rotation and stable positioning of the display, addressing the insufficiency in existing hinges by generating sufficient torque to hold the display in place, even under user input and weight considerations.
Implementation Method 1
a spring mounted on the second shaft such that the spring and the second shaft are compressively engaged with the first shaft to provide a vertical frictional torque
Data Source
AI summary
In one example, a hinge assembly is disclosed, which may include a band torque engine having at least one bearing portion and a vertical torque engine coupled to the band torque engine. The vertical torque engine may have an opening. The hinge assembly may include a first shaft received through the at least one bearing portion and the opening. The first shaft may be rotatable along an axis with respect to the band torque engine and the vertical torque engine. The hinge assembly may include a display bracket including an adaptor portion to hold the first shaft such that the first shaft rotates along with the display bracket. The band torque engine may provide a frictional torque and the vertical torque engine may compressively engage with the first shaft to provide a vertical frictional torque during rotation of the display bracket.