Dual Display Hinge Structure with Nested Groove for Seamless Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices with dual displays face issues of protruding hinges in the folded state and gaps between displays in the unfolded state, compromising both portability and viewing experience.
Innovation Solution
A hinge structure with a fixing element, sliding element, and rotary element, integrated with an elastic restoring element, allows the units to stack seamlessly and slide relative to each other, enabling seamless alignment and reduced gaps between displays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a hinge structure is used to connect dual displays, then the device can be folded for portability, but the hinge protrudes outside the display in folded status affecting appearance and increasing device size
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge structure is nested within a receiving groove formed on the back surface of the first display assembly, allowing the hinge to be concealed inside the device body when folded, thus eliminating the protrusion issue while maintaining foldable portability
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge structure is positioned in the thickness dimension (z-axis) rather than protruding in the lateral dimension, by receiving the hinge within a groove that extends into the device body, effectively hiding the hinge from the external appearance
2Adaptability or versatility
If a hinge structure is used to connect dual displays, then the device can be folded for portability, but the hinge increases the gap between displays in unfolded status compromising viewing experience
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge structure is received within a groove on the back surface of the first display assembly, allowing the hinge to be positioned closer to the display edges without increasing the lateral gap, thus minimizing the visual impact on the viewing experience
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving groove is strategically positioned and dimensioned to accommodate the hinge structure in a location that minimizes its impact on the overall display alignment and gap appearance when unfolded
3Shape
If the hinge structure is integrated into the display assembly, then the device maintains a sleek appearance, but the hinge structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge structure is divided into separate components (first hinge portion and second hinge portion) that can be independently manufactured and then assembled into the receiving groove, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining the concealed appearance
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 ensures the hinge does not protrude in the folded state and minimizes gaps in the unfolded state, enhancing the device's appearance and usability by allowing side-by-side display alignment, thus improving the viewing experience.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic restoring element with one end disposed on the fixing element and the other end disposed on the inner side of the sliding element to provide the sliding element with an elastic restoring force towards the fixing element
Data Source
AI summary
A portable electronic device, including a first unit, a second unit and a hinge structure, is disclosed. The first unit includes a first display portion, a first back portion and a first receiving groove disposed on the first back portion. The second unit includes a second display portion and a second back portion selectively stacked with the first back portion. The hinge structure is disposed in the first receiving groove of the first unit and includes a fixing element disposed in the first receiving groove, a sliding element slidably disposed on the fixing element and a rotary element disposed on an outer side of the sliding element, wherein the second unit is pivoted to the rotary element via the second back portion. In this way, the hinge structure will not protrude outside the first and second units when the portable electronic device is in the folded status.