Foldable Terminal Damping Assembly With Differential Interference Fit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing damping assemblies in foldable terminals are complex in structure and occupy a large space, which hinders the lightweight and thin design of these terminals.

Innovation Solution

A damping assembly with a simple structure, comprising a damping section with multiple damping parts and a shaft sleeve with varying interference amounts, providing a damping force through friction between the damping section and the shaft sleeve, and designed to occupy a small space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If existing damping assemblies are used to provide damping force, then damping function is achieved, but structure becomes complex and space occupation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedamping forceVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the damping function with the shaft sleeve structure by integrating damping parts directly into the shaft sleeve. The shaft sleeve includes multiple damping parts (first damping part, second damping part, third damping part) that work together with corresponding shafts to provide damping force, eliminating the need for separate damping mechanisms and simplifying the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shaft sleeve serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables rotation, and simultaneously provides damping through its integrated damping parts. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed, addressing the contradiction between achieving damping function and maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Force

If existing damping assemblies are used to provide damping force, then damping function is achieved, but space occupation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedamping forceVSAvoidspace occupation
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The damping parts are nested within the shaft sleeve structure. The first damping part is arranged on the first shaft and nested within the shaft sleeve, the second damping part is arranged on the second shaft and nested within the shaft sleeve, and the third damping part is arranged on the third shaft and nested within the shaft sleeve. This nesting arrangement allows the damping mechanism to occupy minimal space while still providing effective damping force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of manufacture

If damping assembly structure is simplified, then manufacturing and installation are easier, but damping force consistency may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoiddamping force consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different interference amounts to different damping parts to optimize both simplicity and performance. The first interference amount between the first shaft sleeve part and first damping part, the second interference amount between the second shaft sleeve part and second damping part, and the third interference amount between the third shaft sleeve part and third damping part are all different. This localized differentiation ensures consistent damping force while maintaining simple installation procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 damping assembly effectively provides a consistent damping force throughout its life cycle, optimizing user experience while enabling a lightweight and thin design for foldable terminals.

Implementation Method 1

The damping assembly includes a damping section and a shaft sleeve sleeved onto the damping section... an interference amount between the first shaft sleeve part and the first damping part is a first interference amount... providing a damping force through friction between the damping section and the shaft sleeve

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4202241B1Damping assembly, rotating mechanism and foldable terminal
Publication Date: 2025.04.30 HONOR DEVICE CO LTD
  • EP4202241B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4202241B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4202241B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Embodiments of this application provide a damping assembly, a rotating mechanism, and a foldable terminal. The damping assembly has a simple structure and occupies a relatively small space, which is conductive to a lightening and thinning design of a foldable terminal. The damping assembly includes a damping section and a shaft sleeve sleeved onto the damping section, where the damping section includes first damping parts and second damping parts that are arranged in an axial direction of the damping section, and the shaft sleeve includes first shaft sleeve parts and second shaft sleeve parts that are arranged in an axial direction of the shaft sleeve; the first shaft sleeve parts are sleeved onto the first damping parts, and an interference amount between a first shaft sleeve section and a first damping section is a first interference amount; and a second shaft sleeve section is sleeved onto a second damping section, an interference amount between the second shaft sleeve section and the second damping section is a second interference amount, and the second interference amount is less than the first interference amount.