Foldable Hinge Assembly With Cam Resistance for Shape Holding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hinge assemblies in electronic devices often lose functionality after repeated use, failing to maintain the initial ability to hold the device in a specific shape when folded or unfolded.
Innovation Solution
A hinge assembly with a rotatable first and second cam, a sliding portion, and a movement reduction portion that includes an internal housing, guide protrusion, and elastic portion to resist linear movement, ensuring the device maintains its shape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a hinge assembly is used repeatedly to bend the electronic device, then the device can be folded and unfolded multiple times, but the hinge assembly loses its ability to maintain the initial shape and function
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is divided into multiple functional components: first and second cams for rotation, a sliding portion for linear movement, and a movement reduction portion with elastic elements. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while contributing to the overall durability and shape maintenance capability of the hinge assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic portion in the movement reduction portion acts as a cushioning element that absorbs shocks and reduces impact forces during repeated folding and unfolding operations. This beforehand cushioning protects the hinge components from damage and maintains the assembly's ability to hold shapes over extended use
2Ease of operation
If the hinge assembly allows free linear movement of the sliding portion, then the device can be bent smoothly, but the device cannot maintain a specific folded or unfolded shape
Solution Approach 1:
The movement reduction portion is designed to resist linear movement of the sliding portion through elastic portions that apply counteracting forces. This preliminary anti-action prevents excessive movement while allowing controlled bending, enabling the hinge assembly to maintain specific folded and unfolded shapes
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic portions change their mechanical parameters (stiffness, force application) based on the position and movement state of the sliding portion. This dynamic parameter change allows the hinge to provide resistance when needed for shape maintenance while permitting smooth movement during bending operations
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 assembly effectively maintains the electronic device's shape by resisting linear movement, enhancing the durability and functionality of the hinge mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic portion on the internal housing and configured to apply force to the contact portion toward the sliding portion
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a hinge assembly and an electronic device. The hinge assembly includes: a rotatable first cam; a rotatable second cam facing the first cam; a sliding portion in contact with the first cam and the second cam and configured to move linearly when at least one of the first cam and the second cam is rotated; and a movement reduction portion in contact with the sliding portion and configured to resist linear movement of the sliding portion.