Foldable Hinge Friction Structure for Stable Angle Holding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable electronic devices face challenges in maintaining a desired angle and preventing structural damage while minimizing size and weight, particularly when the display is expanded for a larger screen, which compromises portability.
Innovation Solution
A hinge structure incorporating a first and second rotation member, arm members, shafts, elastic structures, and a friction structure with curved surfaces to provide rotational and frictional forces, allowing for stable folding and unfolding while reducing the device's thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If the display is expanded to increase screen size, then the display area is improved, but the device size and weight increase, deteriorating portability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested hinge structure where the first and second arm members are disposed inside each other when the device is in the folded state. This nesting arrangement allows the display to be expanded to a larger area while keeping the folded device compact and lightweight, resolving the contradiction between display area and portability
2Length of stationary object
If the hinge structure is simplified to reduce device thickness, then the device thickness is improved, but the ability to maintain desired angle and prevent structural damage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic elements including elastic members that provide resilient force and friction structures that generate frictional force to maintain the device at a desired angle. These dynamic mechanisms enable the thin hinge structure to reliably maintain stability and prevent structural damage during folding and unfolding operations
3Length of stationary object
If the hinge structure is simplified to reduce device thickness, then the device thickness is improved, but the overall device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nested arrangement of arm members inside each other in the folded state maximizes space utilization, allowing the hinge structure to be thin while keeping the overall folded device volume compact. This nesting principle resolves the contradiction between reduced thickness and increased volume
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 hinge structure ensures stable angle maintenance and prevents structural damage by providing sufficient frictional force, enabling a slim and durable foldable electronic device with enhanced portability and display flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastic structure including a first elastic member disposed in the first shaft, a second elastic member disposed in the second shaft, a third elastic member disposed in the third shaft, and a fourth elastic member disposed in the fourth shaft
Implementation Method 2
a friction structure disposed between the first arm member and the second arm member. In an embodiment, the friction structure includes a first friction member disposed between the first elastic member and a portion of the first arm member, and including a first curved surface corresponding to a first outer peripheral surface of the first arm member
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable electronic device includes at least one of hinge structure with a friction structure disposed between a first arm member and a second arm member. The friction structure includes a first friction member including a first curved surface corresponding to a first outer peripheral surface of the first arm member, a second friction member including a second curved surface corresponding to a second outer peripheral surface of the second arm member, and a support member configured to allow the first curved surface of the first friction member to form a frictional contact with the first outer peripheral surface in at least a partial rotation range of the first arm member and to allow the second curved surface of the second friction member to form a frictional contact with the second outer peripheral surface in at least a partial rotation range of the second arm member.