US 2026/0218552 A1 · FRICTION HINGE MODULE HAVING A TORQUE ELEMENT AND METHOD FOR RETAINING THE TORQUE ELEMENT

Abstract

A hinge module for coupling components for pivotal movement relative to one another is provided. The hinge module includes a shaft defining a pivot axis and a torque element frictionally engaging the shaft. The hinge module comprises a shaft defining a pivot axis and a torque element frictionally engaging the shaft. The hinge module also includes a housing defining a slot configured to at least partially receive a base portion of the torque element. The slot defines internal contact surfaces including ridges positioned for contact between the housing and the base portion of the torque element and grooves interposed between the ridges and extending parallel to the pivot axis. The ridges and the grooves each define respective draft angles, with the draft angle of the ridges being less than the draft angle of the grooves.

Claims48

Dependent claims

A hinge module for coupling components for pivotal movement relative to one another, the hinge module comprising:

a shaft defining a pivot axis;
a torque element frictionally engaging the shaft, the torque element comprising a base portion;
a housing defining a slot configured to at least partially receive the base portion of the torque element;
wherein the slot defines internal contact surfaces including ridges positioned for contact between the housing and the base portion of the torque element and grooves interposed between the ridges and extending parallel to the pivot axis;
and
wherein the ridges and the grooves each define respective draft angles, the draft angle of the ridges being less than the draft angle of the grooves.

3 more elements

A hinge module for coupling components for pivotal movement relative to one another, the hinge module comprising:

a torque element comprising a base portion and a curved arm extending from the base portion, the curved arm having an outer diameter and an inner diameter;
wherein the inner diameter comprises at least two notches positioned relative to each other, thereby defining a first axis extending upwardly relative to a center of the inner diameter and through the first notch and a second axis extending laterally relative to the center of the inner diameter and through the second notch, the first axis being angled 90 degrees relative to the second axis;
and
wherein a maximum thickness between the inner diameter and the outer diameter is taken along a direction between the first axis and the second axis, the direction being angled 45 degrees relative to the first axis or second axis.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Friction hinge module having a torque element and method for retaining the torque element

Life of this patent

Friction hinge module having a torque element and method for retaining the torque element

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims48