Foldable Hinge Angle Detection Using Rotation Speed Thresholds

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing foldable devices face inaccuracies in determining the opening angle due to zero point offset and sensitivity deviations between sensors, leading to errors in identifying the device's state.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that utilize sensors to collect rotation speeds of movable parts, apply a threshold judgment on the speed difference, and determine the rotation angle only when the difference exceeds a threshold, thereby mitigating errors caused by sensor deviations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If sensors are used to detect rotation angle of foldable device, then the device can identify its state, but measurement precision deteriorates due to zero point offset and sensitivity deviations between sensors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestate identification accuracyVSAvoidrotation angle detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors the difference between rotation speeds of the first and second movable parts, and uses this feedback to determine when to calculate the rotation angle. When the speed difference exceeds a threshold, the system calculates the angle; when it remains within the threshold, the system suppresses calculation to avoid erroneous readings. This feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by adapting the measurement process to actual device state changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter being measured from direct rotation angle to rotation speed difference. By monitoring how the rotation speed difference changes over time and comparing it against a threshold, the system can distinguish between actual device state changes and sensor measurement errors. This parameter transformation resolves the precision issue while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Speed

If rotation angle is determined continuously based on sensor data, then real-time state monitoring is achieved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to sensor deviations causing erroneous angle calculations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestate detection response speedVSAvoidrotation angle accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous angle calculation, the system uses periodic monitoring of rotation speed differences and only triggers angle calculation when the speed difference exceeds a threshold. This periodic action based on threshold triggering maintains real-time monitoring capability while avoiding erroneous calculations during periods when the device state is stable or sensors are drifting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts its measurement strategy based on the current state of the device. When rotation speed difference indicates active movement, the system calculates angles in real-time. When speed difference remains within threshold, the system suppresses calculation. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction between response speed and precision.

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 approach enhances the accuracy of opening angle detection, improving the user experience by accurately determining the state of the foldable device.

Implementation Method 1

a first gyroscope disposed on the first movable part and a second gyroscope disposed on the second movable part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGyroscope effect: Gyroscope

Implementation Method 2

a first acceleration sensor disposed on the first movable part and a second acceleration sensor disposed on the second movable part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcceleration sensing: Accelerometer

Implementation Method 3

a magnetic sensor disposed on the first movable part and a permanent magnet disposed on the second movable part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field sensing: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS20250362715A1Method and Related Apparatus for Detecting a Rotation Angle of a Foldable Device
Publication Date: 2025.11.27 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • US20250362715A1 patent drawing
  • US20250362715A1 patent drawing
  • US20250362715A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for detecting a rotation angle of a foldable device is disclosed. The foldable device includes a first movable part and a second movable part that rotate through a connecting member. The method includes (i) obtaining a first rotation speed of the first movable part and a second rotation speed of the second movable part, (ii) determining whether the difference between the first rotation speed and the second rotation speed is higher than a first difference threshold, and (iii) determining a rotation angle between the first movable part and the second movable part based on the first rotation speed and the second rotation speed if the difference between the first rotation speed and the second rotation speed is higher than the first difference threshold. The rotation angle is calculated when the rotation speed difference between the two movable parts meets a threshold condition. This approach helps avoid the rotation angle within a certain error range caused by the zero point offset and sensitivity deviation of sensors when the opening angle between the two movable parts should remain unchanged. As a result, the accuracy of the opening angle is improved, enhancing the user experience of the foldable device.