Backbone Member Gap Coverage for Foldable Chassis Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable information devices with foldable chassis and displays suffer from gaps between hinge-connected edges, compromising appearance quality and durability when folded.
Innovation Solution
A portable information device design featuring a backbone member that covers the gap between foldable chassis members, slidably integrated between the chassis and hinge mechanisms, ensuring the display and internal elements remain secure and protected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a hinge mechanism is used to connect chassis members, then the device becomes foldable and portable, but gaps are generated between edge portions when closed, exposing internal elements
Solution Approach 1:
A backbone member is introduced as an intermediary component between the first and second chassis members. This backbone member extends from the first chassis member through the hinge mechanism to the second chassis member, filling the gap that forms when the chassis are closed together. The backbone member serves as a mediator that prevents internal elements from being exposed while allowing the hinge mechanism to function, thus resolving the contradiction between foldability and appearance quality/durability
2Reliability
If the backbone member is fixed rigidly, then the gap coverage is stable, but the folding operation becomes restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The backbone member is designed with a sliding connection to the hinge mechanism rather than a rigid fixed connection. Specifically, the backbone member can slide along the hinge mechanism during the folding and unfolding operations. This dynamic sliding capability allows the backbone member to maintain continuous gap coverage while accommodating the movement required for smooth folding operations, resolving the contradiction between stable gap coverage and operational ease
Data Source
AI summary
A portable information device is capable of securing the appearance quality or the durability of products while having a foldable configuration. The portable information device has a backbone member provided throughout and between the inner surface of one edge portion of a first chassis member and the inner surface of one edge portion of a second chassis member so as to cover a gap between the one edge portion of the first chassis member and the one edge portion of the second chassis member connected by a hinge mechanisms. The backbone member is held between the inner surfaces of the first chassis member and the second chassis member and the rear surfaces of the hinge mechanisms disposed on the inner surfaces, and is slidably provided between the inner surface of at least one of the first chassis member and the second chassis member and the rear surface of the hinge mechanism disposed on the one inner surface of the at least one of the first chassis member and the second chassis member.