Dual Hinge Mechanism Minimizing Display Gap in Foldable Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic apparatuses with rotatably connected chassis and touch-panel liquid crystal displays face a challenge in minimizing the gap between displays when used as a single large screen, leading to a wide separation at the center, which affects usability and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
The electronic apparatus employs a hinge device with a specific structure that includes first and second brackets with hinge blocks and arms, allowing the chassis to rotate from a folded form to a flat plate form, where the hinge shafts are coaxial, reducing the gap between displays by ensuring the adjacent end surfaces are closely aligned in the 180° posture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the hinge shaft is located at the center of the chassis thickness and does not project onto the surface, then the chassis thickness is reduced, but the adjacent end surfaces become arc-shaped causing a wide gap between displays
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge device is divided into separate components: a first hinge block and a second hinge block positioned at different locations. This segmentation allows each hinge block to independently manage the rotation and positioning, enabling the end surfaces to remain substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis while maintaining a compact profile
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge blocks act as intermediary elements between the chassis and the rotation axis. By introducing these intermediate components, the patent achieves a configuration where the end surfaces can be substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis without requiring the hinge shaft to project onto the chassis surface, thus reducing both chassis thickness and display gap
2Adaptability or versatility
If the hinge shaft is positioned to allow 360° rotation, then various use modes can be realized, but the arc-shaped end surfaces create a wide separation part at the center of the display
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic hinge mechanism with two hinge blocks that can accommodate rotation from 0° to 360°. The first hinge block supports the rotation while the second hinge block positions the end surfaces substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis. This dynamic configuration allows various use modes (tablet mode, laptop mode, tent mode, etc.) while maintaining a minimal display gap throughout the rotation range
3Ease of operation
If the end surfaces are made arc-shaped to avoid interference during rotation, then rotation operation is enabled, but the gap between displays increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the hinge mechanism into two separate hinge blocks, the patent eliminates the need for arc-shaped end surfaces. The first hinge block enables rotation while the second hinge block maintains the end surfaces in a substantially perpendicular orientation, allowing smooth rotation operation without creating a wide gap between displays
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic apparatus includes: a first chassis; a second chassis; a first display provided on an upper surface of the first chassis; a second display provided on an upper surface of the second chassis; and a hinge device that connects the first chassis and the second chassis. The hinge device includes: a first bracket including a first fixing plate fixed to the first chassis; a second bracket including a second fixing plate fixed to the second chassis; a first hinge block that supports a first upper hinge shaft and a first lower hinge shaft arranged vertically between adjacent end surfaces of the first chassis and the second chassis in a flat plate form; and a second hinge block.