Foldable Hinge Structure With Cam and Gear Support in Narrow Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable electronic devices with narrow folding areas face challenges in arranging structures to support hinge motions due to limited space, making it difficult to optimize the arrangement and function of hinge structures.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a hinge structure with a hinge housing that includes a cam structure, detent support, and gear mechanisms to facilitate rotary motion and support simultaneous operation of housing components, allowing for efficient folding and unfolding while maintaining structural integrity and supporting various angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If various structures are disposed to support hinge motions of the housing structures, then the hinge motion support function is improved, but the device complexity increases and the arrangement becomes difficult due to limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple hinge support structures (cam structure, detent support, gear mechanisms) into a unified hinge structure that rotates together with the housing structures. This merging approach consolidates previously separate components into a single integrated unit, reducing arrangement difficulties while maintaining comprehensive hinge motion support functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge structure is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: supporting rotary motion of housing structures, guiding folding/unfolding movements, providing detent positions for angle stabilization, and preventing torsion. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate dedicated components, simplifying the overall arrangement within limited space.
2Ease of operation
If the hinge structure includes multiple mechanisms (cam structure, detent support, gear mechanisms), then the hinge motion control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam structure, detent support, and gear mechanisms are merged into a single integrated hinge structure that rotates with the housing. This consolidation allows multiple control functions to be achieved through one unified component rather than separate mechanisms, reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where the detent support and gear mechanisms are positioned within or alongside the cam structure in the hinge assembly. This nesting approach allows multiple mechanisms to coexist in a compact configuration, reducing the overall footprint and perceived complexity while maintaining full functionality.
3Reliability
If the hinge structure is designed to support simultaneous operation of housing components, then the functional reliability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple support functions into a single hinge structure, the patent reduces the number of separate components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This integration simplifies the manufacturing process while ensuring that all housing components operate simultaneously and协调ly through the unified hinge mechanism.
Data Source
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AI summary
A hinge structure includes a first rotary bracket that rotates about a first virtual axis and a second rotary bracket that rotates about a second virtual axis. The hinge structure also includes a fixed bracket that includes the first rotary bracket and the second rotary bracket fixed thereto. The hinge further structure includes a first rotary member, a second rotary member, a first arm and a second arm. Additionally, the hinge structure includes a cam part that includes bumpy structures. A first elastic body is mounted on the first rotary member and supports at least one side of the cam part and second elastic body is mounted on the second rotary member and supports at least an opposite side of the cam part. The hinge structure also includes a support bracket that supports the first elastic body and the second elastic body.