Foldable Device Backbone Gap Covering Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable information devices with foldable displays face issues of appearance quality and durability due to gaps generated between chassis members when folded, exposing internal elements.
Innovation Solution
A portable information device with a backbone member that slides between the chassis members to cover gaps, reinforced with flexible sheet-like members and reinforcing members forming an arch shape, and an elastic member for energization, ensuring the device's appearance quality and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a hinge mechanism connects adjacent edge portions between chassis members, then the device achieves foldability, but gaps are generated between edge portions when folded, exposing internal elements and reducing appearance quality and durability
Solution Approach 1:
A backbone member is introduced as an intermediary component between the first and second chassis members. This backbone member covers the gap generated between edge portions when folded, preventing exposure of internal elements while maintaining the foldability provided by the hinge mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The backbone member is divided into a movable portion and a fixed portion. The movable portion is provided to the first chassis member and slides during folding, while the fixed portion is provided to the second chassis member. This segmentation allows the backbone member to dynamically cover the gap throughout the folding motion.
2Reliability
If the backbone member is made slidable on one chassis member and fixed on the other, then the backbone member can cover the gap during folding motion, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The backbone member incorporates both movable and fixed portions to dynamically adapt to the folding motion. The movable portion slides on the first chassis member during folding, while the fixed portion remains stationary on the second chassis member, enabling continuous gap coverage without excessive 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
The solution effectively secures the appearance quality and durability of the device by preventing internal elements from being exposed and providing structural support during folding and unfolding, enhancing the device's rigidity and protection.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member energizing the backbone member along the slide direction from the second chassis member to the first chassis member is provided
Data Source
AI summary
A portable information device is capable of securing the appearance quality and the durability of products while having a foldable configuration. The portable information device has a backbone member provided throughout and between the inner surface of one edge portion of a first chassis member and the inner surface of one edge portion of a second chassis member so as to cover a gap between the one edge portion of the first chassis member and the one edge portion of the second chassis member connected by a hinge mechanism. The backbone member is provided to the inner surface of the one edge portion of the first chassis member so as to be slidable in an X direction from the second chassis member to the first chassis member along the inner surface, and is non-slidably fixed to the inner surface of the one edge portion of the second chassis member.