Foldable Hinge Arm Cam Structure for Stable Detent Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable electronic devices face stability issues in their folding operation due to weakened display strength from external pressure or impact, and increasing display thickness to enhance rigidity can lead to defects in the folding mechanism.
Innovation Solution
An arm and hinge structure with a cam mechanism and elastic bodies that provide a specified detent load, allowing for stable folding without increasing the device's thickness, by using a combination of rotating shafts, cam structures, and elastic bodies to maintain the folded state effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the display thickness is increased to enhance rigidity and resist external pressure, then the display strength is improved, but the repulsive force in the folded state increases leading to defects in the folding operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hinge structure with cam mechanisms and elastic bodies as an intermediary system between the display and the housing. This mediator provides the necessary detent load to counteract the repulsive force from the thick display, enabling reliable folding operation without reducing the display thickness. The cam structures convert the elastic force into directional detent loads that stabilize the folded state.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the hinge system by introducing variable detent loads through cam mechanisms. The elastic bodies store and release energy to provide dynamic force compensation, allowing the system to adapt to the increased repulsive force from the thicker display while maintaining folding reliability.
2Strength
If the display thickness is increased to provide rigidity, then the display can resist external pressure, but the device size (thickness) increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge structure with cam mechanisms serves as a mediator that allows the use of thicker displays for rigidity without directly increasing the overall device thickness. The mechanical advantage provided by the cam mechanisms compensates for the additional repulsive force, enabling the system to maintain a compact form factor while using rigid, thicker display components.
3Device complexity
If a simple hinge structure is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the detent load is insufficient to maintain stable folding operation
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge structure is segmented into multiple functional components: cam structures, elastic bodies, and rotating shafts. Each component performs a specific function - the cam structures provide mechanical advantage, the elastic bodies store energy, and the rotating shafts enable motion. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high folding stability through coordinated action of simpler individual parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge structure incorporates dynamic elements including elastic bodies that store and release energy, and cam mechanisms that convert rotational motion into directional forces. This dynamic design allows the system to adapt to varying forces during folding operation, providing stable detent loads that maintain reliability without requiring an overly complex static structure.
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 a stable folding operation and prevents defects in the folding mechanism while maintaining the device's portability and reducing wear on the hinge structures, providing a robust and stable detent feeling without thickness increase.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic body, which stores and transmits energy
Data Source
AI summary
An arm structure of an electronic device is provided. The arm structure includes an arm body, a first cam disposed on one side of the arm body and including a first hole into which at least a portion of a rotating shaft providing a folding operation of the electronic device is inserted, a peak and a valley being formed around the first hole, a second cam arranged side-by-side on a same axis as the one side of the arm body, spaced apart from the first cam, and including a second hole into which at least a portion of the rotating shaft is inserted, a peak and a valley being formed around the second hole, and a connecting part disposed on another side of the arm body and fastened with a rotating part providing rotation of the electronic device.