Foldable Hinge Assembly With Elastic Stops for Safer Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable electronic devices face usability issues due to the need for manual operation and potential damage from excessive force during folding and unfolding, which can be inconvenient and harmful to the display.
Innovation Solution
A hinge device with a motor-driven mechanism, comprising a bracket, rotating members, limiting members, and interworking gears, allows for easy opening and closing of the device using an external input device, eliminating the need for manual operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a stopping operation is applied to maintain the device in fully folded or fully unfolded state, then the device stability is improved, but the user convenience deteriorates due to increased force requirement and potential display damage
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge device automatically maintains the device in fully folded or fully unfolded states without requiring user intervention. The elastic pressurizing members automatically engage with the rotating portions at terminal positions to provide stopping force, eliminating the need for manual stopping operations while preventing display damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical stopping operations with an automated elastic mechanism. The elastic pressurizing members (spring elements) automatically engage with the rotating portions to provide stopping force at terminal positions, substituting the need for user-applied mechanical force with an automated elastic force system.
2Ease of operation
If a motor-driven hinge device is connected to enable automatic opening and closing, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge device automatically performs opening and closing operations without requiring external motor-driven mechanisms. The elastic pressurizing members automatically engage and disengage during the folding and unfolding processes, enabling self-service operation that reduces device complexity while maintaining ease of use.
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 motor-driven hinge device enhances usability by simplifying the opening and closing process, reducing the risk of damage to the display and improving user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a first pressurizing member made of an elastic material so as to pressurize the first contact portion against the first rotating portion; and a second pressurizing member made of an elastic material so as to pressurize the second contact portion against the second rotating portion
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document may comprise a first housing, a second housing, and a hinge device foldably connecting the first and second housings. The hinge device may comprise: a bracket comprising a first rail and a second rail spaced apart from the first rail; a first rotating member comprising a first rotating portion fastened to the first rail of the bracket so as to rotate with regard to the bracket; a second rotating member comprising a second rotating portion fastened to the second rail of the bracket so as to rotate with regard to the bracket; a first arm which comprises a first gear, which is connected to the first rotating member to be able to rotate with regard to the bracket, and which is connected to the first housing; a second arm which comprises a second gear, which is connected to the second rotating member to be able to rotate with regard to the bracket, and which is connected to the second housing; an interworking gear meshing with the first and second gears and rotating accordingly; a first limiting member disposed on the bracket, the first limiting member comprising a first contact portion and a first pressurizing member made of an elastic material so as to pressurize the first contact portion against the first rotating portion; and a second limiting member disposed on the bracket, the second limiting member comprising a second contact portion and a second pressurizing member made of an elastic material so as to pressurize the second contact portion against the second rotating portion.