Foldable Hinge Angle Recognition Using Acoustic Time Difference
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable electronic devices face challenges in accurately identifying the angle between housings due to interference from external magnetic forces, which can cause malfunctions, and existing methods struggle to precisely determine intermediate states.
Innovation Solution
The device employs audio signal processing to identify the angle between housings by outputting an audio signal from one housing and acquiring it from another, calculating the time difference to determine the angle, and optionally uses image analysis to confirm the angle based on captured images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Hall IC and magnet are used to identify the folded and unfolded states, then the identification of extreme states is reliable, but the identification of intermediate states becomes difficult and external magnetic interference causes malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the magnetic field-based Hall IC detection system with an acoustic wave-based detection system. Audio output modules generate acoustic waves that propagate through the housing structures, and audio input modules detect these waves. The time difference of arrival of acoustic waves at different sensors is used to calculate the angle between housings, eliminating dependence on magnetic fields and enabling continuous angle measurement across all states including intermediate states.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic waves as an intermediary medium for angle detection. Instead of directly measuring magnetic field changes or mechanical positions, the system uses acoustic wave propagation through the housing structures as an intermediary to indirectly measure the angle between housings. The acoustic waves carry information about the housing angle through their propagation time, providing a reliable measurement mechanism that works across all operational states.
2Measurement precision
If audio signal processing is used to identify the angle between housings, then intermediate states can be precisely identified, but the device complexity increases due to additional audio modules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by using audio output modules (speakers) and audio input modules (microphones) that serve dual purposes: audio playback/recording for user interaction and angle detection for structural measurement. The same hardware components are utilized for both conventional audio functions and the innovative angle measurement function, thereby avoiding additional dedicated sensors and reducing overall device complexity while achieving precise angle measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structures themselves serve as the acoustic waveguides for angle detection. The existing housing materials and geometries are utilized to propagate acoustic waves between the audio modules, eliminating the need for separate acoustic waveguide structures or additional mechanical components. The device's own structure provides the measurement medium, reducing complexity.
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 method allows precise angle identification without relying on Hall ICs and magnets, optimizing design efficiency and enabling adaptive functionality based on the identified angle.
Implementation Method 1
output an audio signal based on the at least one audio output module, acquire the audio signal based on the at least one audio input module
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable electronic device is provided. The foldable electronic device includes a first housing structure in which an audio output module is arranged, a second housing structure arranged to face the first housing structure, and where an audio input module is arranged, a hinge module arranged between the first housing structure and the second housing structure, memory, and a processor operatively connected to the audio input module, the audio output module, and the memory. The processor outputs an audio signal based on the audio output module in response to the release of a folded state between the first and the second housing structures, acquires, based on the audio input module, the audio signal that was output, confirms the time difference value according to the output and acquisition of the audio signal, and confirms, based on the time difference value, the angle implemented between the first housing structure and the second housing structure.