Cat Head Cam Hinge for Foldable Display Flatness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Clamshell electronic devices face a limitation in display size due to the hinge mechanism, which interrupts the display and prevents it from achieving larger dimensions while still being foldable.
Innovation Solution
A hinged electronic device with a flexible display and a cat head shaped cam mechanism that allows the device to pivot and lock in both open and closed positions, using followers and springs to maintain the display's flatness and prevent creasing, with the cam's design enabling a narrower hinge area and controlled torque for precise locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a hinge mechanism is used in a clamshell device, then the device can be folded to a smaller form factor, but the hinge interrupts the display and limits the maximum display size
Solution Approach 1:
The display is segmented into two separate sections, one in each housing, that meet at the hinge without being interrupted by it. The hinge mechanism is positioned to couple the housings while allowing the display segments to align edge-to-edge, creating the appearance of a continuous large display across the folded device.
Solution Approach 2:
The display extends into the third dimension by folding along with the hinge, rather than being limited to a single flat plane. This allows the display to maintain its large area while the device occupies less space when folded, effectively utilizing spatial dimensions to resolve the contradiction between display size and form factor.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the display is made larger to satisfy consumer preference, then consumer satisfaction increases, but the hinge mechanism prevents the display from achieving larger dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the display into two sections that meet at the hinge, the invention enables larger overall display area while accommodating the hinge mechanism. Each display section can be optimized independently, and their alignment at the hinge creates a seamless visual experience that satisfies consumer preference for large displays.
3Ease of operation
If a traditional hinge mechanism is used, then the device can fold, but the hinge creates a wider hinge area that interrupts the display
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism is nested within the device housings in a space-efficient manner, with the cam mechanism and followers positioned to minimize the hinge area. The hinge components are arranged to fit within the profile of the device when folded, reducing the interruption to the display and maintaining a sleek form factor.
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 allows for a larger display size while maintaining a compact form factor, preventing creasing and mechanical interference, and ensuring a flat, wavy-free display in the open position by balancing tension and providing sufficient locking force.
Implementation Method 1
a first follower, biased against a first side of the cat head shaped cam by a first spring disposed between the first follower and the first device housing
Implementation Method 2
The hinge includes a cam having a cat head shape. The cat head shaped cam defines a first cat ear shaped protrusion and a second cat ear shaped protrusion
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a first device housing and a second device housing. A hinge couples the first device housing to the second device housing. The first device housing is pivotable about the hinge relative to the second device housing. The hinge includes a cam, which can be shaped like the head of a cat. A first follower is biased against a first side of the cat head shaped cam by a first spring disposed between the first follower and the first device housing. A second follower is biased against a second side of the cat head shaped cam by a second spring disposed between the second follower and the second device housing.