Foldable Chassis Rear Cover with Oil-Proof Gap-Covering Sheet
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electronic apparatuses with foldable chassis, the gap between folded chassis members exposes internal components, leading to deterioration in appearance quality due to visibility of metal components and interference issues.
Innovation Solution
A flexible sheet member is integrated between the rear cover component and chassis members to cover the gaps, using a nonwoven fabric with oil-proof coatings to prevent visibility of internal components and lubricant adhesion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a rear cover component is used to fill the opening between chassis members when folded, then appearance quality is improved, but the rear cover component interferes with chassis members during rotation operation
Solution Approach 1:
The rear cover component is divided into multiple sections: a first rear cover portion attached to the first chassis member and a second rear cover portion attached to the second chassis member. These segments can move independently relative to each other during rotation, preventing interference while maintaining appearance quality when folded.
Solution Approach 2:
The rear cover component is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to change configuration during rotation operation. The flexible display and segmented structure enable the rear cover to adapt its position, moving from a closed configuration (improving appearance) to an open configuration (enabling rotation).
2Ease of operation
If a gap is secured between the rear cover component and chassis members to prevent interference, then rotation operation is enabled, but internal components become visible through the gap
Solution Approach 1:
A sheet member is introduced as an intermediary element between the rear cover component and the chassis members. This sheet member fills the gap that would otherwise expose internal components, while still allowing the necessary rotation operation to proceed without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible sheet member is used to cover the gap between the rear cover component and chassis members. The flexibility of this thin film allows it to accommodate the rotation movement while maintaining continuous coverage to prevent visibility of internal components.
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 conceals internal components, enhancing appearance quality by preventing metal gloss reflection and lubricant exposure, while maintaining smooth rotation operation.
Implementation Method 1
covers a gap between the rear cover component and the first end portion and a gap between the rear cover component and the second end portion
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic apparatus includes a hinge device that connects a first chassis member and a second chassis member to be relatively rotatable, a rear cover component that is disposed to fill a space between a first end portion of the first chassis member and a second end portion of the second chassis member separated from each other in a first posture, and a sheet member that has flexibility, is provided to straddle between the rear cover component and an inner surface of the first chassis member and an inner surface of the second chassis member, and covers a gap between the rear cover component and the first end portion and a gap between the rear cover component and the second end portion.