Foldable Chassis Hinge Structure to Prevent Frame Edge Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of thin metal frames in foldable electronic devices can lead to curvature deformation and deterioration of the outer appearance quality when the chassis are folded, particularly when using flexible displays.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a hinge device that connects two chassis with support plates and a back cover component to stabilize the frame edges, using screws to secure the plates to the frame members, and incorporating a hinge main body to support the display, thereby preventing deformation and maintaining appearance quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a thin metal plate is used to form the frame member end, then the thickness of the entire chassis is reduced, but the frame member becomes susceptible to curvature deformation when chassis are folded
Solution Approach 1:
The frame member end is divided into multiple segments: the thin metal plate frame member itself, reinforcement plates attached to its inner and outer surfaces, and fastening structures. This segmentation allows the thin frame member to maintain low thickness while gaining structural stability through the added reinforcement elements that prevent curvature deformation during folding operations
Solution Approach 2:
The frame member structure combines multiple materials and components: the base thin metal plate frame member, reinforcement plates (which may be made of different materials), and fastening elements. This composite construction provides both the thin profile needed for compactness and the enhanced structural integrity required to prevent deformation during folding, resolving the contradiction between thickness reduction and stability maintenance
2Adaptability or versatility
If the chassis are folded to achieve compact form, then portability is improved, but curvature deformation occurs that directs the frame member away from the back cover component
Solution Approach 1:
Reinforcement plates are pre-installed on the frame member ends before folding operations. These plates create preliminary counter-action forces that resist the curvature deformation tendencies that occur during folding, preventing the frame member from bending away from the back cover component while maintaining the desired compact folded configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement plates and fastening structures are installed in advance on the frame members before the folding operation. This preliminary action ensures that when folding occurs, the structural support is already in place to maintain frame member shape and prevent deformation, enabling both compact folding and shape preservation
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic apparatus includes: a first chassis which has a first frame member; a second chassis which has a second frame member which is adjacent to the first frame member and is adjacent to the first chassis; a display which is supported to the first chassis and the second chassis; and a hinge device which so connects the first chassis and the second chassis as to be rotationally movable relative to each other between a first posture that the first chassis and the second chassis are so folded as to mutually overlap in a surface normal direction and a second posture that the first chassis and the second chassis are mutually arrayed in a direction which is vertical to the surface normal direction.