Bi-Directional Chain Hinge Assembly for Compact Waterdrop Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable electronic devices have bulky, complex, and heavy hinge modules that make them less efficient in minimizing size while maintaining display size, and they often render the display invisible when folded, limiting usability.
Innovation Solution
A bi-directional chain hinge assembly with a plate arrangement that allows elements to pivot in two directions, forming a waterdrop shape when folded, minimizing height and maximizing internal space, using gear connections and pivot rods to facilitate dynamic flexibility and static support for the display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional hinge modules are used to connect multiple housings, then the display can be folded to provide a small device size, but the hinge modules become bulky, complex, and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is divided into multiple individual hinge plates (first hinge plate, second hinge plate, third hinge plate) connected in a chain, where each plate is a simple, lightweight component. This segmentation replaces the bulky traditional hinge module with multiple simple segments that collectively achieve the folding function while reducing overall complexity and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge plates are arranged in offset rows (first row and second row) where plates in alternating rows are shifted relative to each other. This dimensional arrangement allows the chain hinge assembly to fold into a compact waterdrop shape, achieving small device volume when folded without requiring complex overlapping mechanisms.
2Volume of moving object
If traditional hinge modules are used to connect multiple housings, then the display can be folded to provide a small device size, but the hinge modules become bulky and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is divided into multiple individual hinge plates (first hinge plate, second hinge plate, third hinge plate) connected in a chain, where each plate is a simple, lightweight component. This segmentation replaces the bulky traditional hinge module with multiple simple segments that collectively achieve the folding function while reducing overall complexity and weight.
3Volume of moving object
If the chain hinge assembly folds the display to be invisible, then the device size is minimized, but the display becomes unusable in folded configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly enables dynamic positioning between fully unfolded and fully folded states, but the offset row arrangement and waterdrop folding geometry allow the display to maintain visibility and usability in the folded configuration, unlike traditional hinges that completely obscure the display when folded.
4Length of stationary object
If hinge plates are arranged in offset rows, then the chain hinge assembly can fold into a waterdrop shape minimizing height, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge plates are arranged in offset rows (first row and second row) where plates in alternating rows are shifted relative to each other. This dimensional arrangement allows the chain hinge assembly to fold into a compact waterdrop shape with minimized height, achieving space efficiency without requiring complex mechanisms beyond the simple offset positioning of individual plates.
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 enables a foldable electronic device with minimized thickness and maximized internal space, maintaining display usability and stability when folded, while allowing for unrestricted movement between folded and unfolded positions.
Implementation Method 1
the end pivot axes of the second hinge plate being adapted, by gear connections, for pivotally connecting to first and second further elements
Implementation Method 2
a first hinge plate comprising a (e.g. one) center pivot axis, and a second hinge plate comprising a center pivot axis and two end pivot axes, the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate being pivotally interconnected
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 1d~2a
Figure 2b~3
AI summary
A plate arrangement (1) for change of direction in a chain hinge assembly, the plate arrangement (1) comprising a first hinge plate (3a) comprising one center pivot axis (5a), and a second hinge plate (3b) comprising a center pivot axis (5a) and two end pivot axes (5b, 5c), the end pivot axes (5b, 5 c) being arranged at opposite sides of the center pivot axis (5 a). The first hinge plate (3a) and the second hinge plate (3b) are pivotally interconnected such that the center pivot axis (5a) of the first hinge plate (3a) coincides with the center pivot axis (5a) of the second hinge plate (3b). The end pivot axes (5b, 5c) of the second hinge plate (3b) are adapted for pivotally connecting to first and second further elements such that the further elements may pivot in a direction which is opposite of a pivoting direction of the first hinge plate (3a), in relation to the second hinge plate (3b). The plate arrangement allows elements, interconnected by the plate arrangement, to be pivoted in the same direction, and hence the chain hinge assembly to change direction such that the chain hinge assembly can be arched in not only one, but two, directions.