Foldable Device Multi-Link Cover Hinge Nesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Folding electronic devices with complex hinge structures have a large size and thickness, which compromises their design aesthetics and durability, and limits their usability.
Innovation Solution
A foldable electronic device design featuring a multi-link cover with pivotally connected joint parts and a hinge structure integrated within the cover, allowing for a seamless foldable connection between the first and second bodies, with a height matching the housing and enabling free-angle folding and sliding functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex hinge structure is used to enable folding, then the folding function is achieved, but the device has large size and thickness which compromises design aesthetics and durability
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge structure is nested within the multi-link cover, with the hinge body positioned inside the cover's interior space. The cover surrounds and protects the hinge mechanism, effectively hiding it while maintaining the folding function. This nesting approach reduces the overall device thickness and creates a sleeker appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge structure is divided into multiple segments including a hinge body, hinge cover, and multi-link cover with joint parts. These segmented components work together to achieve the folding function while each component can be optimized for size and aesthetics. The segmentation allows the hinge to be distributed across multiple parts rather than concentrated in a single bulky structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a complex hinge structure is used to enable folding, then the folding function is achieved, but the device has large size which lowers durability
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge structure is merged with the housing by integrating the hinge body into the housing interior and using the multi-link cover to connect the first and second bodies. This merging reduces the number of separate components and creates a more unified, durable structure where the hinge and housing work as an integrated system rather than separate parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge structure is nested within the housing and multi-link cover, protecting it from external damage. The cover surrounds and shields the hinge mechanism, reducing exposure to environmental factors and physical stress, thereby improving the overall durability of the folding function.
3Shape
If the multi-link cover height matches the housing height, then aesthetic quality is improved, but the internal space for hinge structure is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge structure utilizes the depth dimension (front-to-back thickness) rather than only the horizontal plane to accommodate the hinge body and joint parts. By arranging components in the depth dimension and using vertical stacking, the design maintains full height for aesthetics while finding space for the hinge mechanism in the third dimension.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge body and joint parts are nested within the multi-link cover's interior volume, efficiently utilizing the available space. The cover's internal cavity accommodates the hinge components through careful spatial arrangement, maximizing the use of available volume while maintaining the external height proportion.
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
This design enhances durability, aesthetic quality, and user convenience by integrating the hinge structure within the housing, allowing for adjustable folding angles and hidden or exposed electronic components based on device state.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of joint parts pivotably coupled to each other... the plurality of joint parts are connected to each other by shafts to pivot around the shafts
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C
AI summary
An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a housing including a first body and a second body, a flexible display disposed such that at least a portion of the flexible display is exposed through a first surface of the housing, a multi-link cover connected to the first body and the second body, and including a plurality of joint parts pivotably coupled to each other, and at least one hinge structure, at least a portion of which is located in an interior of the multi-link cover and foldably connecting the first body and the second body. The multi-link cover has a height that is substantially the same as heights of the first body and the second body and the plurality of joint parts are connected to each other by shafts disposed to cross each other.