Foldable Apparatus Cam-Clutch Damping for Intermediate State Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable electronic devices can only switch between fully unfolded and fully folded states, lacking an intermediate state, which compromises performance and user experience.
Innovation Solution
A foldable apparatus with a synchronization gear assembly, force applying assembly, damping assembly, and clutch member that allows for an intermediate state by controlling friction forces and enabling self-flattening/folding through a clutch mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the foldable apparatus only switches between fully unfolded and fully folded states, then the structure is simple, but the performance and user experience are poor due to lack of intermediate state
Solution Approach 1:
The damping assembly acts as an intermediary between the rotating arm and the cam mechanism. It introduces a friction-based intermediate state that allows the foldable apparatus to be held at positions between fully unfolded and fully folded, thereby improving adaptability without requiring a completely new mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism changes the pressure parameter dynamically during the folding process. By varying the pressure applied to the damping assembly, the system can transition between different states (unfolded, intermediate, folded) and maintain the intermediate state through controlled friction forces
2Adaptability or versatility
If friction force is applied to maintain intermediate state, then the device can stay between unfolded and folded states, but the operational force required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism applies pressure periodically and intermittently to the damping assembly. During transitions, the cam engages to apply friction force for stability, then disengages to reduce operational force requirements, creating a periodic action that alternates between stabilization and force reduction phases
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch member extracts the damping assembly from the pressure transmission path during transitions. By disconnecting the damping assembly from the cam mechanism, the system eliminates unnecessary friction resistance during folding/unfolding operations, reducing the operational force required
3Stability of the object's composition
If the cam continuously applies pressure to the synchronization gear assembly, then the intermediate state is maintained, but the switching between states becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two operational modes: engagement mode where the cam applies pressure to maintain intermediate state stability, and disengagement mode where the clutch member disconnects the damping assembly to facilitate easy state transitions. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction between stability and ease of operation
4Stability of the object's composition
If the damping assembly continuously resists rotation, then the intermediate state is stable, but the self-flattening and self-folding functions are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member performs preliminary action by pre-compressing the damping assembly through the cam mechanism before transitions are needed. This pre-positioning of the damping assembly allows it to provide friction resistance only when required for intermediate state stability, while permitting free movement during automated self-flattening and self-folding operations
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
Enables the device to maintain an intermediate state with reduced operational force requirements, improving user experience by allowing seamless transitions between unfolded, folded, and intermediate states.
Implementation Method 1
two ends of the elastic member are elastically connected to the cam along a length direction of the main shaft
Implementation Method 2
the foldable apparatus is kept in an intermediate state under the action of a friction force between the first friction plate and the rotating arm
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with an embodiment, a foldable apparatus includes: a main shaft; a rotating arm including a first rotating arm and a second rotating arm that are disposed on two sides of the main shaft along a width direction; a synchronization gear assembly connected to the first rotating arm and the second rotating arm, and having a concave-convex surface; a force applying assembly including a cam and an elastic member, where the cam has a cam surface, and two ends of the elastic member are elastically connected to the cam along a length direction of the main shaft to enable the concave-convex surface to be engaged with the cam surface; and a damping assembly, including a first friction plate connected to the main shaft.