Foldable Hinge Assembly Using an Extruded Member to Limit Axial Wear
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly gap in the hinge mechanism of foldable electronic devices causes axial rubbing between supports, leading to a reduced service life, especially when the device is in a folded state.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an extruded member made of self-lubricating material between the support and connecting arm, which provides an extruding action to prevent relative movement in the axial direction when folded and allows smooth rotation when unfolded, using static friction and gap fit relationships to manage the rotation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an assembly gap is provided between hinge mechanism components to enable rotation, then the supports can rotate relative to each other, but axial rubbing occurs between the supports especially when folded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an extruded member as an intermediary component between the first support and the first connecting arm. This extruded member acts as a mediator that prevents direct axial contact between the support components while still allowing rotational movement. The extruded member absorbs the axial rubbing that would otherwise occur between the support and connecting arm, thereby resolving the contradiction between enabling rotation and preventing wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the extruded member by using self-lubricating material, which alters the friction characteristics of the interface. This parameter change in material properties reduces the coefficient of friction and prevents axial rubbing while maintaining the necessary mechanical function, thus extending service life without compromising rotation capability.
2Reliability
If self-lubricating material is used for the extruded member, then axial rubbing is reduced and service life is extended, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extruded member is designed as a simple, replaceable component made from self-lubricating material. Rather than designing a complex adjustable mechanism, the patent uses a straightforward extruded component that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. This approach extends service life through material properties rather than through complex mechanical means, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity.
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 extruded member reduces axial rubbing and extends the service life of the device by preventing relative movement between components, ensuring smooth transitions between folded and unfolded states.
Implementation Method 1
an extruded member made of self-lubricating material between the support and connecting arm
Implementation Method 2
provides an extruding action to prevent relative movement in the axial direction when folded, allowing smooth rotation when unfolded, using static friction and gap fit relationships
Data Source
AI summary
This application discloses an electronic device. The electronic device includes a base, a first support, a first connecting arm, and an extruded member, a first end of the first connecting arm is rotatably mounted on the first support, a second end of the first connecting arm is provided with a first arc-shaped fitting structure, the first arc-shaped fitting structure is rotatably fitted with the base, to enable the electronic device to switch between a folded state and an unfolded state, and the extruded member is disposed between the first support and the first connecting arm; when the electronic device is in the folded state, the extruded member abuts between the first arc-shaped fitting structure and the first support; and when the electronic device is in the unfolded state, either of the first support and the first arc-shaped fitting structure is separated from the extruded member.