Foldable Hinge Damping Structure for Quiet Free-Stop Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinge apparatuses in foldable electronic devices often suffer from vibration and noise during stop operations and free-stop operations, which deteriorate the operation feeling and can lead to mechanical issues due to sudden direction changes or component separation.
Innovation Solution
A compact hinge apparatus with a simple structure, featuring a bracket with coupling portions, rotators with rotating portions, and a damper that comes into contact with the rotating portions depending on the degree of rotation, is designed to reduce vibration and noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a hinge apparatus is designed with a compact size for portable electronic devices, then the device portability is improved, but vibration and noise occur during stop operations and free-stop operations due to sudden direction changes and component separation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a damper component that performs beforehand cushioning by providing damping force during sudden direction changes in the hinge apparatus. The damper is positioned to contact the rotating portion when rapid folding or unfolding occurs, absorbing shocks and reducing vibrations before they propagate through the hinge structure, thereby eliminating the harmful effects while maintaining compact dimensions
2Ease of operation
If a hinge apparatus operates with stop operation and free-stop operation for usability, then the operational functionality is improved, but sudden direction changes cause separation between components leading to vibration and noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a damper as an intermediary component between the rotating portion and the external environment. This mediator absorbs the shocks and vibrations generated during stop operations and free-stop operations, preventing direct transmission of mechanical stresses that would cause component separation. The damper maintains reliable component connections while preserving the intended operational 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
The proposed hinge apparatus effectively reduces vibration and noise, enhancing the operation feeling of the electronic device by maintaining a compact size and improving mechanical stability.
Implementation Method 1
a damper disposed on at least one of the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion to come into contact with at least one of the first rotating portion and the second rotating portion depending on a degree of rotation
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a first housing, a second housing, and a hinge apparatus configured to foldably connect the first housing and the second housing to each other. The hinge apparatus may include a bracket including a first coupling portion and a second coupling portion spaced apart from the first coupling portion, a first rotator including a first rotating portion fastened to the first coupling portion of the bracket to rotate relative to the bracket, a second rotator including a second rotating portion fastened to the second coupling portion of the bracket to rotate relative to the bracket, and a damper disposed on at least one of the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion to come into contact with at least one of the first rotating portion and the second rotating portion depending on a degree of rotation of the first rotator and the second rotator relative to the bracket.