Foldable Hinge Cam Assembly for One-Step Open-Close Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable electronic devices often require additional user intervention to transition between fully closed and fully open states due to friction-based stop sections, disrupting seamless operation.
Innovation Solution
A hinge assembly with a first and second hinge connected to a hinge cover, each featuring a shaft, cams, and elastic bodies, allowing the device to transition directly from a fully closed to fully open state without stopping at intermediate positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If friction-based stop sections are used in the hinge assembly, then the device can maintain intermediate folded positions, but additional user intervention is required to transition between fully closed and fully open states
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the friction-based stop section from the hinge assembly, extracting the problematic element that caused the device to get stuck at intermediate positions. This allows the device to transition smoothly from fully closed to fully open state without requiring additional user intervention to overcome friction at stop sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly is designed with cam mechanisms that pre-position the display assembly to ensure it transitions directly through the intermediate region without pausing. The cam profiles are specifically shaped to guide the motion trajectory, ensuring the device enters the stop section only during closing operation, not during opening.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the hinge assembly enters the stop section during closing operation, then intermediate positions are accessible, but the device requires additional user actions to complete the transition
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is designed to enter the stop section periodically - specifically only during the closing operation from fully open to fully closed state. During opening operations, the cam mechanisms guide the display assembly to skip the stop section entirely, creating a periodic pattern of engagement that optimizes both accessibility and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of the hinge operation through cam mechanisms that adjust the motion trajectory based on the direction of operation. The cam profiles are designed to create different motion paths during opening versus closing, allowing the system to adapt its behavior dynamically to minimize user intervention while maintaining folding flexibility.
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
Enhances user convenience by enabling smooth, one-step transitions between fully closed and fully open states, eliminating the need for additional user actions at intermediate stop sections.
Implementation Method 1
a first cam configured to perform a linear motion along the folding axis, a second cam configured to contact the first cam, and a third cam configured to contact the first cam, wherein the first cam is configured to contact only one of the second cam and the third cam at a time
Data Source
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AI summary
A foldable electronic device includes: a display, a first housing, a second housing, and a hinge assembly, wherein the hinge assembly includes: a hinge cover connected to the first housing and the second housing, a first hinge connected to the hinge cover to support the first area, and a second hinge connected to the hinge cover to support the second area, wherein each of the first hinge and the second hinge includes: a shaft with a folding axis, a first cam configured to perform a linear motion along the folding axis, a second cam configured to contact the first cam, and a third cam configured to contact the first cam, wherein the first cam is configured to contact only one of the second cam and the third cam.