Foldable Hinge Assembly Using an Extruded Member to Prevent Axial Rubbing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Axial rubbing between components in a foldable electronic device's hinge mechanism, particularly when in a folded state, reduces the device's service life.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an extruded member between the support and connecting arm, which generates static friction to prevent relative movement along the rotating axial direction when the device is folded, and allows a gap fit relationship for smooth rotation when unfolded, using self-lubricating materials to enhance durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an assembly gap is provided between hinge mechanism components to enable rotation, then the electronic device can switch between folded and unfolded states, but axial rubbing occurs between supports especially when folded, reducing service life

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotation capabilityVSAvoidservice life
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an extruded member as an intermediary component between the first support and the first connecting arm. This extruded member acts as a mediator that prevents direct axial rubbing between the support and connecting arm while still allowing the necessary rotation movement. The extruded member absorbs the harmful axial friction forces, thereby protecting the main rotating components and extending the device's service life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If components are closely fitted to reduce gap, then structural stability improves, but rotation smoothness deteriorates due to increased friction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidrotation smoothness
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing different fit characteristics in different locations and directions. The extruded member creates a localized fit relationship that is tight in the axial direction (preventing rubbing) but allows freedom in the rotational direction (maintaining smooth rotation). This localized differentiation of fit quality resolves the contradiction between structural stability and rotation smoothness.

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

Prevents axial rubbing, extending the service life of the electronic device and improving user experience by ensuring smooth rotation transitions between folded and unfolded states.

Implementation Method 1

the first arc-shaped fitting structure and the base can be extruded and fitted in a direction perpendicular to a rotating axial direction of the first connecting arm by using the extruded member, and further a static friction is generated between the first arc-shaped fitting structure and the base, to prevent relative movement between the first arc-shaped fitting structure and the base along the rotating axial direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStatic friction: Static Friction

Implementation Method 2

using self-lubricating materials to enhance durability

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLubrication: Lubrication

Data Source

PatentEP4697683A1Electronic device
Publication Date: 2026.02.18 VIVO MOBILE COMM CO LTD
  • EP4697683A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4697683A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4697683A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

This application discloses an electronic device, and relates to the field of electronic devices. The electronic device includes a base, a first support, a first connecting arm, and an extruded member, where the first support is configured to support a screen of the electronic device, a first end of the first connecting arm is rotatably mounted on the first support, a second end of the first connecting arm is provided with a first arc-shaped fitting structure, the first arc-shaped fitting structure is rotatably fitted with the base, to enable the electronic device to switch between a folded state and an unfolded state, and the extruded member is disposed between the first support and the first connecting arm; when the electronic device is in the folded state, the extruded member abuts between the first arc-shaped fitting structure and the first support; and when the electronic device is in the unfolded state, either of the first support and the first arc-shaped fitting structure is separated from the extruded member.