Foldable Phone Hinge Assembly With Discrete Angle Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
The suspension of folding processes in foldable phones relies heavily on friction between upper and lower cams, leading to abrasions and a reduced lifespan due to wear and tear.
Innovation Solution
A hinge assembly with a pivot mechanism, elastic mechanism, and rotation mechanism that utilize protrusions and grooves to suspend the folding process at fixed angles, eliminating the need for springs and cams, thereby reducing abrasions and simplifying the structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a damping mechanism with upper cam and lower cam is used to enable suspension at all angles, then the foldable phone can suspend at various angles, but abrasions are easily caused to the cams, greatly reducing the life span
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous suspension range is segmented into discrete fixed angles. Instead of allowing continuous suspension at any angle through cam mechanisms, the patent divides the suspension capability into specific discrete angles (e.g., 45°, 90°, 135°) achieved through protrusion-groove engagement at predetermined positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful friction and abrasion elements (upper cam and lower cam) are extracted and removed from the system. The patent replaces the cam-based continuous suspension mechanism with a protrusion-groove discrete positioning mechanism, eliminating the sliding contact that causes wear.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a damping mechanism with spring, upper cam, and lower cam is used, then suspension at all angles is enabled, but the structure becomes complex and installation space is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The spring component is extracted and removed from the system. The patent replaces the spring-based damping mechanism with a pure mechanical protrusion-groove engagement system that achieves suspension without requiring elastic elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The functions of the spring, upper cam, and lower cam are merged into a single integrated rotation mechanism with protrusions and grooves. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate damping and suspension components, simplifying the overall structure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple springs are used in the damping mechanism, then suspension stability is improved, but the installation space along the pivot mechanism axis is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The spring component is extracted and removed from the system. The patent achieves suspension stability through the mechanical engagement of protrusions and grooves at fixed positions, eliminating the need for spring-based damping mechanisms that occupy axial space.
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 solution ensures stable suspension at fixed angles, reduces abrasions, minimizes installation space, and lowers costs by eliminating the need for springs and cams, thus extending the life span of the foldable device.
Implementation Method 1
One of the elastic mechanism and the rotation mechanism is provided with a plurality of protrusions, and the other of the elastic mechanism and the rotation mechanism is provided with a plurality of grooves that match the plurality of protrusions. When the rotation mechanism rotates to a preset location, at least one of the plurality of protrusions is received by at least one of the plurality of grooves
Implementation Method 2
One of the elastic mechanism and the rotation mechanism is fixed to the pivot mechanism, and the other of the elastic mechanism and the rotation mechanism is rotatably connected to the pivot mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
This application provides a hinge assembly and a foldable electronic device. The hinge assembly includes a pivot mechanism and an elastic mechanism disposed on the pivot mechanism. One of the elastic mechanism and a rotation mechanism is fixed to the pivot mechanism, and the other of the elastic mechanism and the rotation mechanism is rotatably connected to the pivot mechanism. One of the elastic mechanism and the rotation mechanism is provided with a plurality of protrusions, and the other of the elastic mechanism and the rotation mechanism is provided with a plurality of grooves that match the plurality of protrusions. When the rotation mechanism rotates to a preset location, at least one of the plurality of protrusions is received by at least one of the plurality of grooves, and remaining protrusions in the plurality of protrusions are interposed between the elastic mechanism and the rotation mechanism.