Connecting Member for Foldable Electronic Device Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current foldable electronic devices face challenges in mechanical performance, particularly in supporting flexible display panels and maintaining structural integrity during folding and unfolding, which can lead to deformation and reduced durability.
Innovation Solution
A housing assembly with a connecting module that includes a connecting member, a coupling member, and a positioning member, allowing for flexible bending and support of the display panel, while preventing movement perpendicular to the connecting member, thus enhancing mechanical performance and structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a connecting member is used to couple the first housing and the second housing, then the device can be folded and the screen size can be large, but the mechanical performance and structural integrity deteriorate during folding and unfolding
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting member is divided into multiple sections including a first connecting portion, a second connecting portion, and a body portion with through holes. This segmentation allows each part to perform specific functions: the connecting portions attach to housings while the body portion provides flexibility and structural support during folding operations, thereby maintaining mechanical performance while enabling folding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting member integrates multiple functional elements (connecting portions for attachment, body portion for flexibility, through holes for reinforcement, positioning members for alignment) into a composite structure. This composite design combines rigid connecting sections with flexible body portions, creating a unified component that simultaneously achieves folding adaptability and structural reliability.
2Volume of moving object
If the connecting member is bent to close the first housing and the second housing, then the device size is reduced for portability, but deformation occurs reducing durability
Solution Approach 1:
The body portion of the connecting member is designed with curved surfaces and includes through holes that facilitate controlled bending. The curvature design allows the connecting member to fold smoothly while distributing stress evenly during bending, preventing deformation and maintaining durability when the device is collapsed to a compact size.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the connecting member have different structural properties: the first and second connecting portions are designed for rigid attachment to housings, while the body portion is designed with through holes and specific geometry to provide flexibility and stress distribution during bending. This local differentiation of structural quality allows the same component to simultaneously achieve compact folding and maintain durability.
3Device complexity
If a simple connecting member is used, then the device structure is simple, but the display panel cannot be properly supported leading to deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting member acts as an intermediary component between the first housing and the second housing, providing mechanical support and positioning for the flexible display panel. By incorporating the connecting member with specific structural features (connecting portions, body portion, through holes), the display panel is properly supported during folding and unfolding operations, preventing deformation while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting member performs multiple functions simultaneously: it connects the first and second housings, supports the flexible display panel, enables folding motion, and maintains structural integrity. This multi-functionality allows a single component to provide comprehensive support for the display panel without requiring additional complex support structures, thereby maintaining simplicity while ensuring stability.
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 provides improved mechanical performance and structural support, enabling efficient folding and unfolding of the device without deformation, enhancing user experience and device durability.
Implementation Method 1
the raised portion of the positioning member is received in the welding hole and welded to the connecting member
Data Source
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AI summary
A connecting member is provided. The connecting member is configured to connect a first housing to a second housing and includes a first connecting portion, a second connecting portion and a body portion. The first connecting portion is configured to connect to the first housing. The second connecting portion is configured to connect to the second housing. The body portion defines a number of through holes therein. The body portion is located between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion. The first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are close to each other by bending the body portion. A housing assembly and an electronic device are also provided.