Foldable Hinge Structure with Cover Member for Foreign Matter Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional foldable electronic devices face issues with foreign matter entering the device through gaps in the hinge structure, which can cause malfunctions and affect the hinge motion, necessitating a solution to prevent foreign matter introduction and adherence to electronic components.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a hinge structure with center and hinge brackets that rotate in specific directions, featuring foreign matter collection members such as adhesive or electrified materials within the hinge housing to collect and suppress foreign matter, preventing it from reaching the display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a hinge structure is used to connect housings in foldable electronic devices, then the device can be folded and unfolded, but foreign matter can enter through the space between housings and hinge structure, causing malfunctions and affecting hinge motion
Solution Approach 1:
A cover member is introduced as an intermediary component between the hinge structure and the display. This cover member extends from the hinge structure toward the display, creating a barrier that prevents foreign matter from entering the space between the hinge structure and the display, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining foldable functionality and preventing foreign matter introduction
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge structure is divided into multiple components including a hinge housing, hinge module, and cover member. This segmentation allows the cover member to be positioned strategically to block foreign matter entry paths while maintaining the overall foldable mechanism's functionality
2Device complexity
If foreign matter enters the display area through hinge structure gaps, then the device can maintain simple hinge design, but the foreign matter causes display malfunction and affects hinge motion
Solution Approach 1:
The cover member serves as a protective intermediary that blocks foreign matter from reaching the display and hinge motion components. This addition protects reliability without significantly complicating the hinge design, as the cover member integrates with the existing hinge housing and module structure
3Ease of operation
If the hinge structure allows free movement for folding, then the device achieves portability, but foreign matter can move freely and adhere to electronic parts
Solution Approach 1:
The cover member acts as a physical barrier that intercepts foreign matter before it can adhere to electronic parts. It maintains hinge motion freedom while creating a protected zone that prevents foreign matter from contaminating sensitive components
Solution Approach 2:
The cover member converts the potential harm of foreign matter movement into a beneficial protective function. By positioning the cover member in the foreign matter path, it uses the foreign matter's movement tendency to direct it toward the cover member rather than toward sensitive electronic components
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an electronic device including a first housing, a second housing, a display disposed on the first housing and the second housing, a first hinge plate coupled to the first housing, a second hinge plate coupled to the second housing, and at least one hinge structure coupled to the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate, wherein the at least one hinge structure comprises a center bracket, a first hinge bracket coupled to the center bracket and configured to rotate in a first direction, a second hinge bracket connected to the center bracket and configured to rotate in a second direction, and at least one hole formed in the center bracket.