Foldable Hinge Cam Structure for Reduced Assembly Deviation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly deviation in the hinge device of foldable electronic devices leads to a deteriorated feeling of operation when folding or unfolding the device.
Innovation Solution
The hinge device includes a slide bracket closely coupled with arms through elastic members, reducing the gap between the slide bracket and the arms, thereby improving the alignment of rotations between the first and second housings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a conventional hinge structure is used, then the structure is simple, but the device is bulky and has limited opening angles
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge apparatus employs nested hinges where a second hinge is positioned within the structure of the first hinge, and potentially additional hinges follow this pattern. This nesting allows multiple hinge functions to be integrated into a compact arrangement, reducing the overall device volume while maintaining the capability for multi-angle opening configurations.
2Device complexity
If a conventional hinge structure is used, then the structure is simple, but the opening angle is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge system is divided into multiple independent hinge units (first hinge, second hinge, etc.), each capable of providing its own opening angle. By segmenting the hinge function into multiple units that can operate independently or in combination, the overall system achieves a wider range of opening angles while keeping each individual hinge unit relatively simple in structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If the hinge body is exposed, then the manufacturing is simple, but the aesthetics are poor and foreign matter can enter
Solution Approach 1:
A cover structure is introduced that encloses the hinge bodies, creating a protected internal environment. This cover acts as a barrier against foreign matter while allowing the hinge mechanism to function normally. The cover can be designed as a thin-walled structure that is easy to manufacture and integrates well with the overall device aesthetics.
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 configuration enhances the feeling of operation by reducing assembly deviations and ensuring precise rotational linking between the housings, resulting in improved operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastic member located between the first arm and the second arm and configured to press the first arm and the second arm in opposite directions
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
According to an embodiment, an electronic device may include a first housing, a second housing, and a hinge device that foldably connect the first housing and the second housing to each other. The hinge device may include a first arm module including a first arm including a first cam structure and a second arm including a second cam structure, and configured to rotate about a first rotation axis, a second arm module including a third arm including a third cam structure and a fourth arm including a fourth cam structure, and configured to rotate about a second rotation axis, a first elastic member located between the first arm and the second arm and configured to press the first arm and the second arm in opposite directions, a second elastic member located between the third arm and the fourth arm and configured to press the third arm and the fourth arm in opposite directions, and a slide bracket including a first cam portion facing the first cam structure, a second cam portion facing the second cam structure, a third cam portion facing the third cam structure, and a fourth cam portion facing the fourth cam structure, and configured to move in response to the first arm module and the second arm module.