Backbone Member Sliding Gap Cover for Foldable Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable information devices with foldable displays face issues of appearance quality and durability due to gaps between chassis members when folded, exposing internal elements.
Innovation Solution
A portable information device design featuring a backbone member that slides between the inner surfaces of the chassis members to cover the gap between them, reinforced with flexible sheet-like members and reinforcing members forming an arch shape, and an elastic member to maintain the backbone's position, ensuring the display and internal components remain secure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a hinge mechanism connects adjacent edge portions between chassis members, then the device can be folded into a compact form, but a gap is generated between edge portions when folded, 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 at the hinge connection when folded, preventing exposure of internal elements. The backbone member acts as a mediator that maintains appearance quality and durability while allowing the hinge mechanism to enable compact folding.
2Reliability
If a backbone member is provided to cover the gap between chassis members, then appearance quality and durability are improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The backbone member is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it covers the gap to prevent exposure of internal elements, provides structural support to maintain durability, and contributes to the overall aesthetic appearance. By consolidating these functions into a single component, the design avoids adding multiple separate parts, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Reliability
If the backbone member is made rigid to maintain structural integrity, then durability is improved, but the ease of folding and compact storage is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The backbone member is designed with flexibility, utilizing a flexible shell or thin film structure that allows it to bend and conform during the folding operation. This flexible design maintains structural integrity and durability when the device is in use, while simultaneously enabling easy folding and compact storage when needed.
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
This configuration enhances the appearance quality and durability of the device by preventing exposure of internal elements and maintaining structural integrity during folding and unfolding, while allowing for a compact storage form.
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.