Foldable Hinge Cam Structure for Stable Multi-Detent Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable electronic devices face instability in their folding operation due to increased repulsive force when the display thickness is enhanced for increased rigidity, leading to defects in the folding process.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a hinge structure with a multi-detent mechanism, including rotating parts, arm parts, and cam structures, which provide a specified detent load without increasing the device's thickness, ensuring a stable folding operation by distributing the force effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the display thickness is increased to enhance rigidity and prevent stabbing, then the strength and rigidity of the display are improved, but the repulsive force in the folded state increases, leading to defects in the folding operation
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge structure acts as an intermediary mechanism between the display and the housing, providing a detent load that mediates the conflict between display rigidity and folding operability. The cam structure and arm structure work together to generate a controlled repulsive force that assists folding without requiring increased display thickness.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the display thickness is increased to provide increased rigidity, then the repulsive force in the folded state increases, but this leads to defects in the folding operation such as incomplete folding
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the parameter of force distribution by introducing a detent load mechanism. Instead of relying solely on display thickness to provide rigidity, the hinge structure modulates the repulsive force through cam and arm interactions, allowing the display to be thinner while maintaining both rigidity and reliable folding operation.
3Reliability
If a hinge structure with multi-detent mechanism is implemented to provide specified detent load, then the folding operation stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge structure is segmented into distinct functional components: a cam structure, an arm structure with first and second arms, and a detent structure. Each segment performs a specific function in generating and controlling the detent load, allowing for modular design and maintenance while achieving reliable folding operation stability.
4Volume of moving object
If the hinge structure is designed to provide detent load without increasing device thickness, then the portability is maintained, but the structural design becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a simple rotational hinge to a multi-dimensional mechanism involving cam profiles and arm movements. The cam structure converts rotational motion into linear displacement of the arm, creating a detent load through geometric constraints rather than increased thickness. This dimensional transformation enables compact design while providing the necessary structural functionality.
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 solution maintains a stable folding state and improved portability of foldable electronic devices by providing a robust and stable hinge force while preventing defects in the folding operation without increasing the device's thickness.
Implementation Method 1
a cam structure (221, 222) engaged with the multi-detent structure (240), wherein the arm parts (221, 222) rotate about the rotating axes (11, 12) and slide on one side of the rotating parts (211, 212) in response to the rotation of the rotating parts (211, 212) of the electronic device (100)
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b~1c
Figure 2
AI summary
A foldable electronic device comprising a hinge structure including: a first rotating shaft configured to rotate about a first axis; a second rotating shaft configured to rotate about a second axis; a first cam configured to rotate with the first rotating shaft when the electronic device is being folded or unfolded; a second cam configured to rotate with the second rotating shaft when the electronic device is being folded or unfolded; a third cam engaged with the first cam; and a fourth cam engaged with the second cam; and a flexible display disposed on the first housing part, the hinge structure, and the second housing part, wherein the flexible display is configured to exert a restoring force from a folded state of the electronic device to an unfolded state of the electronic device when the housing is in an at least partially folded state, wherein the first cam is configured to rotate in a first direction and the second cam is configured to rotate in a second direction, the second direction being opposite with respect to the first direction, as the restoring force is applied to the hinge structure, wherein central portions of peaks of the first cam and the fourth cam are inclined such that second sides thereof that face the second direction is higher than first sides thereof that face the first direction, and wherein central portions of peaks of the second cam and the third cam are inclined such that second sides thereof that face the second direction is lower than first sides thereof that face the first direction.