Foldable Hinge Module With Curved Rail Guides for Stable Large Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices with fixed display structures face limitations in achieving larger screens due to reduced mounting space and aesthetic issues when folded, and foldable devices have stability concerns with sliding structures.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device employs a hinge module that allows the display to be unfolded or folded by user manipulation, rotating about a rotational axis, eliminating slide structures and enhancing stability through a rotation bracket along a curved rail guide.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a fixed display structure is used, then the device maintains structural simplicity and stability, but the mounting space is reduced and larger screens cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from a fixed display structure to a movable foldable display structure. The display can be folded along a folding line, allowing it to move between extended and folded positions. This dynamic structure enables the device to achieve larger screen areas when extended while maintaining compact form when folded, resolving the contradiction between mounting space and structural complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the display is slid when folded, then the device can accommodate the folding motion, but the sliding portion is visually exposed and aesthetic quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hinge module as an intermediary component between the first and second housings. This hinge module conceals the folding mechanism and rotational support parts, allowing the display to fold while maintaining a clean, aesthetically pleasing exterior. The hinge acts as a mediator that enables folding adaptability without exposing sliding portions, thus resolving the contradiction between folding versatility and aesthetic quality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If slide structures are used for folding, then the device can achieve foldable configuration, but stability is reduced compared to fixed structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs rotational support parts that rotate about rotational axes rather than sliding structures. This rotational mechanism provides stable, controlled motion during folding while maintaining structural integrity. The first and second rotational support parts work in coordination to enable folding capability while preserving device stability, resolving the contradiction between folding adaptability and structural stability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If housing is slid when folded, then the folding motion is accommodated, but the substantial mounting space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements folding along a vertical folding line that divides the display into first and second display areas, rather than sliding the housing in the planar direction. This dimensional approach to folding allows the display to be folded while maintaining the housing structure and mounting space for electronic components. The rotational support parts enable this folding motion without requiring horizontal sliding space, resolving the contradiction between folding adaptability and mounting space.
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure comprises: a foldable housing including a first housing and a second housing; a display accommodated in the first housing and the second housing; a hinge module coupled to the first housing and the second housing; and a hinge cover coupled to the hinge module, and including a first curved rail guide spaced apart by a first length with respect to a first axis of rotation and a second curved rail guide spaced apart by the first length with respect to a second axis of rotation symmetrical to the first axis of rotation, wherein the hinge module comprises: a first rotation bracket coupled to the first housing and including a first rotation rail configured to move along the first curved rail guide; and a second rotation bracket coupled to the second housing and including a second rotation rail configured to move along the second curved rail guide, wherein a first end of the display may be configured to rotate about the first axis of rotation, and a second end of the display opposite the first end may be configured to rotate about the second axis of rotation.