Foldable Device Cover Ring Mechanism Prevents Sliding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable electronic devices lack a secure and ergonomic cover solution that prevents the cover members from sliding off the housings during use, especially when the device is folded or unfolded.
Innovation Solution
A cover design featuring two cover members spaced apart with a ring mechanism that deforms to securely couple to the device's housings, allowing easy handling and preventing sliding, utilizing a flexible region that changes shape with the device's state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If two separate cover members are used for the first housing and second housing, then the cover can be simpler in structure and easier to manufacture, but the cover members are likely to be easily removed and may slide off the housings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the two separate cover members with the hinge housing into a single integrated cover structure. The hinge housing serves as a connecting component that joins the first cover member and second cover member, creating a unified cover assembly that cannot easily separate or slide off the housings during device operation
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge housing is nested between the first cover member and second cover member, acting as an intermediate connecting structure. This nesting arrangement allows the hinge housing to mechanically link the two cover members to their respective housings, preventing easy removal while maintaining structural integrity
2Ease of operation
If a ring structure is added to connect the cover members, then the cover provides better grip and prevents sliding, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a structural connector between the two cover members, provides a hinge mechanism for folding movement, and functions as a reinforcing element that prevents the cover members from sliding off. This multi-functionality adds minimal complexity while maximizing operational benefits
3Reliability
If the cover members are firmly coupled to prevent removal, then the reliability improves, but the ease of manufacture decreases due to more complex coupling mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the coupling function with the hinge housing structure itself, rather than adding separate coupling mechanisms. The hinge housing is designed to inherently connect the first cover member to the first housing and the second cover member to the second housing, achieving firm coupling through the integrated structure rather than additional fastening 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 cover provides a secure grip and prevents sliding of the cover members from the device's housings, enhancing usability and stability during folding and unfolding operations.
Implementation Method 1
the third region of the inner cover includes a flexible region to which the ring is coupled and that is configured so that its shape is deformed when the electronic device is folded and unfolded
Data Source
AI summary
A cover for a foldable electronic device is provided. The cover includes a first cover member and a second cover member, wherein the first cover member and the second cover member are spaced a certain interval from each other and are configured to be folded or unfolded with a folding axis interposed therebetween, an inner cover includes a first area coupled to a first inner surface of the first cover member, a second area coupled to a second inner surface of the second cover member, and a third area connecting the first area and the second area and extending across the certain interval, and a ring coupled to the third area of the inner cover.