Foldable Hinge Arm Structure for Stable Detent Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable electronic devices face issues with maintaining a stable folded state due to weakened display strength from increased thickness, leading to defects in folding operations and susceptibility to external pressure or impact.
Innovation Solution
An arm structure and hinge structure providing a specified detent load without increasing the device's size, which stabilizes the folding operation and folded state by resisting repulsive forces, allowing for stronger displays and various materials or shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the display thickness is increased to enhance strength and resistance to external pressure, then the display strength is improved, but the repulsive force in the folded state increases which leads to defects in folding operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detent load parameter of the hinge structure to match the increased repulsive force from thicker displays. By adjusting the detent load parameter, the hinge can maintain stable folded states with stronger displays without causing folding operation defects
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge structure is designed with dynamic detent loads that can adapt to different display thicknesses and repulsive forces. The detent mechanism provides variable loading during folding operations to accommodate the changed mechanical properties of thicker displays
2Reliability
If the display thickness is increased to provide resistance to dents or wrinkles, then the reliability is improved, but the device size increases which reduces portability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the detent load parameter of the hinge to compensate for thinner, more flexible displays. By changing the mechanical parameters of the hinge structure rather than increasing display thickness, the device maintains reliability without increasing overall size
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of increasing display thickness with a mechanical system adjustment in the hinge structure. The hinge's detent mechanism is engineered to provide the necessary support and stability that would otherwise require a thicker display
3Stability of the object's composition
If the detent load of the hinge structure is increased to resist repulsive force, then the stability of folded state is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the detent load parameter within the existing hinge structure dimensions. By precisely adjusting the detent load parameter, the hinge provides enhanced folded state stability without requiring increased device size or additional space
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b~1c
Figure 2
AI summary
A foldable electronic device is provided that comprises: a housing including a first housing part and a second housing part; a hinge structure connected to the first housing part and the second housing part, wherein the hinge structure includes: a first rotating shaft configured to rotate about a first axis; a second rotating shaft configured to rotate about a second axis; a first cam, being a part of a first arm configured to rotate with the first rotating shaft when the electronic device is being folded or unfolded; a second cam, being a part of a second arm configured to rotate with the second rotating shaft when the electronic device is being folded or unfolded; a cam member including a third cam and a fourth cam, the third cam being engaged with the first cam and the fourth cam being engaged with the second cam: and a flexible display disposed on the first housing part, the hinge structure, and the second housing part, wherein each of the first cam, the second cam, the third cam and the fourth cam has a cam support and at least two peaks and two valleys arranged on the cam support, wherein the first cam is configured to rotate in a first direction and the second cam is configured to rotate in a second direction, the second direction being opposite with respect to the first direction, wherein central portions of peaks of the first cam and the fourth cam are inclined such that second sides thereof that face the second direction is higher than first sides thereof that face the first direction, and wherein central portions of peaks of the second cam and the third cam are inclined such that second sides thereof that face the second direction is lower than first sides thereof that face the first direction, such that the central portions of peaks of the first cam and the third cam or the central portions of peaks of the second cam and the fourth cam come into contact with each other at the inclination.