Foldable Hinge Assembly With Elastic Screen Support

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional foldable electronic devices have complex structures and high costs due to the variety of components in their foldable assemblies, which affect mechanical stability and reliability.

Innovation Solution

A foldable assembly comprising a base, swing arm mechanism, door panel mechanism, and elastic support member, which allows for a simple structure by forming a triangular accommodating cavity for the flexible screen in the folded state and supporting it in the unfolded state, using a swing arm and door panel rotation with an elastic support member that can be bent to avoid screen deformation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a variety of structures are used in the foldable assembly to achieve folding functionality, then the folding function is implemented, but the structure becomes complex and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefolding functionVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into a unified foldable assembly structure. The swing arm mechanism and door panel mechanism are integrated to work together as a coordinated system, where the swing arm provides rotational movement and the door panel provides the folding action. This merging of mechanisms reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining the folding functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The foldable assembly is designed as a multi-functional mechanism that can accommodate different screen sizes and folding configurations. The swing arm mechanism with adjustable angles and the door panel mechanism work together to provide both folding and support functions, making the assembly adaptable to various electronic device configurations without requiring separate specialized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a variety of structures are used in the foldable assembly to achieve folding functionality, then the folding function is implemented, but costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefolding functionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the swing arm mechanism and door panel mechanism into a unified foldable assembly, the patent reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled. This consolidation lowers manufacturing complexity and associated costs while maintaining the required folding functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs standardized components with adjustable parameters, such as the swing arm rotation angle and door panel dimensions, that can be modified to accommodate different device requirements. This approach allows for cost-effective manufacturing through standardization while maintaining adaptability to various configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Volume of moving object

If the elastic support member is bent to form avoidance space, then the flexible screen is accommodated in folded state, but bending stress is applied to the screen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveavoidance spaceVSAvoidscreen durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic support member acts as an intermediary between the foldable assembly structure and the flexible screen. When the assembly folds, the elastic support member bends to create avoidance space, allowing the screen to be accommodated without direct contact with rigid structures. This intermediary function protects the screen while enabling compact folding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic support member provides beforehand cushioning by being positioned to bend and create avoidance space before the screen reaches areas of high stress during folding. This pre-positioned elastic element absorbs and distributes bending stress, preventing concentrated loads that could damage the screen.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Volume of moving object

If the swing arm and door panel rotate to fold the device, then the device size is reduced for carrying, but mechanical stability may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidmechanical stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The foldable assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the swing arm mechanism for rotation, the door panel mechanism for folding, and the elastic support member for support. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to maintain overall mechanical stability during folding and unfolding operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic mechanisms where the swing arm and door panel can rotate and adjust their positions during folding and unfolding. This dynamic design allows the structure to adapt to different states (folded and unfolded) while maintaining mechanical stability in each state through proper geometric relationships and support mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution simplifies the structure, reduces costs, and prolongs the service life of the flexible screen by minimizing bending stress and providing support, while maintaining mechanical stability and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

the elastic support member is bent to form avoidance space for accommodating a part of the flexible screen

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4529146B1Folding assembly and electronic device
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 HONOR DEVICE CO LTD
  • EP4529146B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4529146B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4529146B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

This application provides a foldable assembly and an electronic device, and relates to the field of electronic device technologies, so as to resolve problems of a complex structure and relatively high costs of the foldable assembly. The foldable assembly includes a base, a swing arm mechanism, a door panel mechanism, and an elastic support member. The base extends in a first direction. The swing arm mechanism includes a first swing arm and a second swing arm. In a second direction, the first swing arm and the second swing arm are respectively located on two sides of the base and are hinged to the base. The door panel mechanism includes a first door panel and a second door panel. The first door panel rotates together with the first swing arm, and the second door panel rotates together with the second swing arm. Two end portions of the elastic support member in the second direction are respectively connected to the first door panel and the second door panel. When the first swing arm and the second swing arm are at an unfolded position, the elastic support member is in a flat plate state and is configured to support a flexible screen; and when the first swing arm and the second swing arm are at a folded position, the elastic support member is bent to form avoidance space for accommodating a part of the flexible screen.