Foldable Hinge Module With Interlocking Slide for Display Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic devices face challenges in achieving a larger display size while maintaining mechanical stability and portability, particularly in foldable or rollable designs, due to limitations in their display structures.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a hinge module that includes a rotating structure, interlocking mechanism, and fixing structure to stabilize the folding and unfolding of housings in electronic devices, allowing for a stable operation and compact design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of moving object

If a foldable display structure is implemented to achieve a larger display size, then the display area is increased, but the mechanical stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay areaVSAvoidmechanical stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is divided into multiple segments (first housing and second housing) that can fold relative to each other, allowing the display to achieve a larger area when unfolded while maintaining a compact form when folded. The segmentation enables the display structure to adapt between expanded and contracted states without compromising overall structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A hinge module is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the first and second housings. This hinge module includes rotating members, guide members, and locking mechanisms that mediate the folding and unfolding motions, ensuring stable operation and maintaining mechanical stability during transitions between different display configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Area of moving object

If the display size is increased to satisfy multimedia service requirements, then the user experience is improved, but the portability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay sizeVSAvoiddevice length
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The display structure is made dynamic through the foldable hinge mechanism, allowing it to change its effective length and area based on usage requirements. When unfolded, the display provides a large area for multimedia consumption; when folded, it reduces to a compact size for portable carrying, thus resolving the contradiction between display size and portability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If a foldable structure is implemented to enable larger display, then the display versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay versatilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge module components are nested within each other in a compact arrangement. The rotating members, guide members, and locking mechanisms are integrated in a space-efficient manner, reducing the overall complexity of the folding mechanism while maintaining the versatility of the display structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP4239986B1Electronic device comprising hinge module
Publication Date: 2026.02.18 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4239986B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4239986B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4239986B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device comprises: a first housing; a second housing; a display accommodated in the first housing and the second housing; and a hinge module which connects the first housing to the second housing, wherein the hinge module comprises: a rotation structure including a first rotation member connected to the first housing, a second rotation member connected to the second housing, and a rotation bracket for accommodating the first rotation member and the second rotation member; and an interlocking structure including a first spiral rotation member connected to the first housing, a second spiral rotation member connected to the second housing, a first guide member which is connected to the first housing and surrounds at least a portion of the first spiral rotation member, a second guide member which is connected to the second housing and surrounds at least a portion of the second spiral rotation member, and a slide member including a first through hole for accommodating at least a portion of the first spiral rotation member, and a second through hole for accommodating at least a portion of the second spiral rotation member, the slide member being configured to slide based on the movement of the first spiral rotation member or the second spiral rotation member.