Backbone Member Gap Covering for Foldable Chassis Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable information devices with foldable displays face issues of appearance quality and durability due to gaps generated between edge portions of foldable chassis members when closed, exposing internal elements.
Innovation Solution
A portable information device design featuring a backbone member that slides between the inner surfaces of foldable chassis members to cover gaps, reinforced with flexible sheet-like members and reinforcing members forming an arch shape, and an elastic member for energization, ensuring the device's appearance quality and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a hinge mechanism connects adjacent edge portions between a pair of chassis members, then the device achieves foldability, but a gap is generated between edge portions when closed, exposing internal elements and reducing appearance quality and durability
Solution Approach 1:
A backbone member is introduced as an intermediary component between the first and second chassis members. This backbone member covers the gap generated by the hinge mechanism when the chassis members are closed, preventing exposure of internal elements while maintaining the foldability function. The backbone member acts as a mediator that resolves the conflict between achieving foldability and maintaining appearance quality/durability.
2Reliability
If a backbone member is provided to cover the gap between chassis members, then appearance quality and durability are improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The backbone member is integrated with the hinge mechanism and chassis members to form a unified structure. The backbone member is provided throughout and between the inner surface of the edge portions, merging the gap-covering function with the existing foldable structure. This integration approach adds the necessary protective function while minimizing the increase in overall structural complexity.
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 effectively secures the appearance quality and durability of portable information devices by preventing exposure of internal elements and enhancing rigidity, while allowing smooth operation and protection of wiring lines during folding and unfolding.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member energizing the backbone member along the slide direction from the second chassis member to the first chassis member is provided
Data Source
AI summary
A portable information device is capable of securing the appearance quality and 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 mechanism. The backbone member is provided to the inner surface of the one edge portion of the first chassis member so as to be slidable in an X direction from the second chassis member to the first chassis member along the inner surface, and is non-slidably fixed to the inner surface of the one edge portion of the second chassis member.