Foldable Device Hinge Assembly With Cam Switching Through Stop Sections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Foldable electronic devices often get stuck in a stop section during the transition from fully closed to fully open states due to friction, requiring additional user motion to fully open or close.

Innovation Solution

A hinge assembly with a hinge cover, first and second hinges, each featuring a shaft with a folding axis, a first cam for linear motion, a second cam for contact with the first cam, and a third cam, allowing the device to operate directly from a fully closed to a fully open state without stopping at the stop section during opening and entering the stop section during closing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional hinge assembly is used, then the device can be folded and unfolded, but it gets stuck in a stop section during transition due to friction, requiring additional user motion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of opening and closingVSAvoidreliability of continuous motion

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge assembly employs dynamic elements including a movable cam that changes position during the folding/unfolding process. The cam transitions from contacting the first stopper to contacting the second stopper, dynamically adjusting the friction characteristics throughout the motion range to prevent sticking while maintaining control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the friction parameter dynamically by using a cam mechanism that varies the contact force between the cam and stoppers during motion. This allows the hinge to overcome static friction that causes sticking while maintaining appropriate friction for controlled stopping at desired positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If friction is increased to maintain position in stop section, then the device can stay closed or open, but it requires additional user motion to transition from fully closed to fully open state

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability in folded and unfolded statesVSAvoidtime for opening and closing operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge assembly segments the stopping function into two distinct stoppers (first stopper and second stopper) that are engaged at different phases of the motion. This segmentation allows the system to provide stable positioning at extreme positions while using the cam mechanism to bridge the transition zone where sticking would otherwise occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cam acts as an intermediary element between the hinge shaft and the stoppers. It mediates the transition by progressively transferring contact from one stopper to the other, smoothing the motion through the stop section and eliminating the need for additional user intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If a simple hinge mechanism is used, then the device structure remains simple, but it cannot prevent the device from getting stuck during folding and unfolding

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomplexity of hinge assemblyVSAvoidease of continuous motion

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cam mechanism serves multiple functions: it maintains friction for controlled stopping at extreme positions, prevents sticking during the transition phase by dynamically adjusting contact forces, and guides the hinge through the complete range of motion. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by resolving multiple operational issues with a single integrated mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-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

Enhances user convenience by enabling seamless transitions between fully closed and fully open states without getting stuck, improving the operational efficiency of foldable electronic devices.

Implementation Method 1

a first cam configured to perform a linear motion along the folding axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLinear motion:

Implementation Method 2

a second cam configured to contact the first cam, and a third cam configured to contact the first cam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical contact:

Data Source

PatentUS20220408580A1Hinge assembly and foldable electronic device including the same

Publication Date: 2022.12.22 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

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.