Foldable Hinge Structure With Cam Friction Angle Holding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable electronic devices face challenges in maintaining portability while increasing screen size, as they often become thicker and heavier due to multiple housings and hinge structures, compromising user experience.
Innovation Solution
A hinge structure with a cam mechanism and friction plates that provide a detent function for maintaining specific angles and a flex function for smooth folding, utilizing a slim design with a dumbbell-type folding structure to support a parallel gap and enhance the folding experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple housings and hinge structures are used to create a foldable display device, then the screen size can be increased, but the device becomes thicker and heavier
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge structure is divided into multiple functional components: a cam structure with cam surfaces, friction plates, elastic members, and rotation members. Each component performs a specific function (folding motion, friction control, elastic restoration), allowing the overall structure to achieve foldable functionality with reduced material usage and weight compared to traditional multi-housing designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction plates and elastic members are nested within the cam structure housing. The rotation members are positioned within the cam structure, and multiple components are layered in a compact arrangement. This nesting allows the hinge to maintain all necessary functions while minimizing the overall volume and weight of the foldable device.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple housings and hinge structures are used to create a foldable display device, then the screen size can be increased, but the device thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam structure utilizes three-dimensional cam surfaces that convert rotational motion into controlled folding angles. The cam surfaces are shaped in multiple dimensions to provide detent positions at specific angles (e.g., 180 degrees unfolded, various folded positions). This dimensional approach allows compact thickness while maintaining full folding functionality and multiple stable positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction plates and elastic members are nested within the cam structure housing. The rotation members are positioned within the cam structure, and multiple components are layered in a compact arrangement. This nesting allows the hinge to maintain all necessary functions while minimizing the overall volume and weight of the foldable device.
3Length of stationary object
If a slim hinge structure is used to reduce device thickness, then portability is improved, but the frictional force for maintaining angles may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The friction plates are positioned at specific locations where they contact the cam surfaces at critical angles (e.g., at 180-degree unfolded position and folded positions). The elastic members are strategically placed to apply frictional force only when needed for maintaining detent positions. This localized application of friction ensures adequate holding force without requiring the entire hinge structure to be thick.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge structure combines multiple materials with different properties: cam structure material providing structural support, friction plate material providing controlled friction, and elastic member material providing restoring force. This composite approach allows a slim overall structure while maintaining sufficient frictional force through the coordinated action of different materials.
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 hinge structure improves the sensitivity of folding and unfolding operations, providing a natural unfolding feeling and increased frictional force for maintaining angles, resulting in a slim and portable foldable electronic device.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastic member 242a disposed between the first shaft and the shaft fixing part, a second elastic member 242b disposed between the second shaft and the shaft fixing part
Implementation Method 2
a first friction plate 251 that is disposed between the first elastic member and the cam member and that rotates depending on rotation of the first shaft, and a second friction plate 252 that is disposed between the second elastic member and the cam member and that rotates depending on rotation of the second shaft
Data Source
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AI summary
A foldable electronic device and modified embodiments of a hinge structure included therein are disclosed in the disclosure. The foldable electronic device includes a first housing and a second housing on which a display is partially seated and the hinge structure that connects the first and second housings. The hinge structure includes a first shaft and a second shaft that rotate in a folding or unfolding operation of the foldable electronic device, a cam member that supports a cam operation, and friction plates that are mounted on the first and second shafts and that make contact with protruding patterns formed on the cam member. The areas of the friction plates brought into contact with the protruding patterns vary as the first and second shafts rotate.