Foldable Hinge Mechanism for Inward Display Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Foldable electronic devices with outward fold structures often suffer from display friction or collision with external objects when folded, leading to reduced display service life.

Innovation Solution

A hinge mechanism comprising a base, rotating components, connecting components, a floating support component, and elastic reset members, which allows the electronic device to fold inwardly, protecting the display from external impacts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the electronic device uses an outward fold structure, then the display area is accessible and portable, but the display is exposed to external objects causing friction or collision

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay accessibilityVSAvoiddisplay damage from external objects

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional outward fold structure by implementing an inward fold design where the display folds toward the device interior. This reversal positions the display away from external objects during folding, eliminating friction and collision risks while maintaining portability and display accessibility when opened.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Device complexity

If the display is located on the outside when folded, then the structure is simple, but the display suffers from easy friction or collision

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefolding structure simplicityVSAvoiddisplay service life

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reverses the display positioning strategy by placing the display on the interior side during folding rather than the exterior. This inversion protects the display from external damage while maintaining a relatively simple hinge-based folding mechanism, thereby extending display service life without significantly increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The inward fold design acts as a preventive measure by positioning the display away from external objects before any potential friction or collision can occur. This prior protective positioning prevents damage proactively, extending display reliability without requiring additional protective components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If the electronic device folds inwardly, then the display is protected from external objects, but the hinge mechanism complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay protectionVSAvoidhinge mechanism structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves display protection through inverting the fold direction to inward folding. This design change protects the display from external objects while using a conventional hinge mechanism, minimizing the increase in structural complexity compared to more elaborate protective systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 hinge mechanism enables the electronic device to fold inwardly, reducing the risk of display damage from external collisions and extending the display's service life.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of elastic reset members, the elastic reset members are connected between the floating support component and the base

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

first rotating components, second rotating components, the plurality of second rotating components are rotatably connected to the plurality of first rotating components

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotation:

Data Source

PatentUS20250035150A1Hinge Mechanism and Electronic Device

Publication Date: 2025.01.30 VIVO MOBILE COMM CO LTD

AI summary

A hinge mechanism includes a base, first rotating components, second rotating components, a first connecting component, a second connecting component, a floating support component, and elastic reset members. In a case that the hinge mechanism is in a first state, at least one of the plurality of the second rotating components supports the floating support component, and the elastic reset members are in a stretched or compressed state. A distance between an outer wall of the base facing away from a rotation axis of the first rotating component and the floating support component is a first distance. In a case that the hinge mechanism is in a second state, the second rotating components avoid the floating support component, a distance between the outer wall of the base and the floating support component is a second distance, and the second distance is less than the first distance.