Asymmetric Gear Hinge Layout for Multi-Fold Display Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable electronic devices with flexible displays face challenges in providing a stable and efficient mechanism for multiple folding states, particularly when multiple housing parts are involved, leading to issues with display visibility and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A foldable electronic device with a housing comprising three parts connected by two hinge assemblies, where the second hinge assembly includes a greater number of gears than the first, allowing for a folded state where the front sides of the housing parts face each other, enhancing display visibility and usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a foldable electronic device uses multiple housing parts connected by hinge assemblies, then the device can achieve multiple folding states and improved flexibility, but the structural complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into multiple housing parts (first housing part, second housing part, third housing part) that can be independently positioned and folded relative to each other. This segmentation enables multiple folding states while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assemblies incorporate gear mechanisms that enable dynamic transitions between different folding states. The gears allow controlled rotation and positioning of housing parts, providing adaptability while maintaining operational simplicity through mechanical advantage.
2Ease of operation
If the second hinge assembly includes more gears than the first, then the device can achieve a specific folded state with enhanced display visibility, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The second hinge assembly is designed with a different number of gears compared to the first hinge assembly, creating local structural differentiation. This allows the right side of the device to achieve optimal display visibility in folded states while the left side maintains its own operational characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The asymmetric gear configuration between the two hinge assemblies enables the device to achieve a folded state where the front sides of the housing parts face each other, optimizing display visibility. The asymmetry is deliberately designed to meet specific functional requirements rather than maintaining uniform structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If three housing parts are rotatably coupled through two hinge assemblies, then the device achieves greater folding flexibility, but the reliability and stability of the folding mechanism decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The gear mechanisms in the hinge assemblies provide controlled dynamic movement between housing parts, ensuring stable and reliable transitions between folding states. The mechanical engagement of gears prevents unintended movement while allowing deliberate folding actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assemblies act as intermediary mechanisms between the housing parts, mediating the folding motion through gear mechanisms. This intermediary structure ensures that the connection between housing parts is stable and reliable while still allowing flexible folding configurations.
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 solution provides a stable and efficient mechanism for multiple folding states, ensuring optimal display visibility and ease of use by accommodating different folding configurations while maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
the first hinge assembly including a first set of gears to rotate the third housing part in conjunction with rotation of the first housing part
Implementation Method 2
the second hinge assembly including a second set of gears to rotate the third housing part in conjunction with rotation of the second housing part
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
This foldable electronic device comprises: a housing including a first housing part, a second housing part, and a third housing part; a first hinge assembly rotatably connecting the first housing part and the third housing part, and including a first gear set for rotating the third housing part together with the rotation of the first housing part; and a second hinge assembly rotatably connecting the second housing part and the third housing part, and including a second gear set for rotating the third housing part together with the rotation of the second housing part. The number of gears included in the second gear set is greater than the number of gears included in the first gear set.