Dropped Hinge Mechanism for Heat Dissipation in Foldable Displays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing device case designs fail to effectively dissipate heat while maintaining a compact profile and smooth rotation, as cables often obstruct heat dissipation and hinder the display's ability to be positioned at various angles without limiting functionality.

Innovation Solution

A dropped hinge mechanism connects the display unit to the base unit, allowing heat to pass freely through a heat dissipating member, with a retractable cable system that moves out of the way when the display is closed, ensuring efficient heat dissipation and maintaining a slim profile.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If a dropped hinge mechanism is used to lower display height, then the device achieves a compact profile, but heat dissipation becomes obstructed by cables and structural elements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay heightVSAvoidheat dissipation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge mechanism is divided into multiple segments (first hinge segment, second hinge segment) that can rotate independently, allowing the display to achieve various angles while maintaining a compact profile. This segmentation enables the hinge to navigate around heat-generating components without obstructing heat dissipation paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge mechanism transitions from a simple planar rotation to a multi-dimensional movement path, allowing the display to rotate in both horizontal and vertical planes. This enables the display to achieve various viewing angles while the hinge itself navigates around heat-generating components, maintaining effective heat dissipation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If cables are routed through the hinge mechanism, then connectivity is maintained, but heat dissipation is obstructed and device functionality is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidheat dissipation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The cable routing is extracted from the traditional hinge path and repositioned to alternate routes that do not interfere with heat dissipation channels. This allows the hinge to maintain its rotational functionality while cables are routed through less obstructive paths, preserving both connectivity and thermal management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The multi-segment hinge structure acts as an intermediary that separates cable routing from heat dissipation paths. The hinge segments can rotate independently, allowing cables to be routed through specific segments while heat dissipation occurs through other pathways, thus mediating between connectivity requirements and thermal management needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If the display is fixed at a single angle, then structural simplicity is maintained, but adaptability and usability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehinge structureVSAvoiddisplay positioning flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge mechanism transitions from a fixed single-angle design to a dynamic multi-position system. The multi-segment hinge allows the display to rotate to various angles and positions, providing adaptability for different viewing scenarios while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through the use of standard hinge components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution enables effective heat dissipation in both open and closed positions, preventing cable obstruction and allowing for smooth rotation and multiple display angles, enhancing device usability and performance.

Implementation Method 1

a heat dissipating member (126) to dissipate heat

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP2737384B1Heat dissipating case
Publication Date: 2020.05.06 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP
  • EP2737384B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2737384B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2737384B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

Example embodiments disclosed herein relate to a case having a base unit and a display unit. The base unit includes an emitting surface. The display unit includes a dissipating member. A hinge connects the base unit and the display unit, the hinge connected below at least part of the heat emitting surface or first vent and the heat dissipating member or second vent. The emitting surface and the dissipating member are to overlap or align when the display unit is in a closed position.