Foldable Hinge Mechanism With Integrated Floating Plate Constraint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional hinge mechanisms for foldable electronic devices have a bloated structure due to the floating plate limiting structure, which hinders the achievement of lightness and thinness.
Innovation Solution
A hinge mechanism with a compact structure, utilizing a base frame, bearing component, and connecting rod components that limit the range of motion of the floating plate, including a first connecting rod component that rotatably connects to the base frame and connection member, and a second connecting rod component that is slidably connected to the connection member, allowing for a folded and unfolded state while limiting the floating plate's motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional floating plate limiting structure is used in the hinge mechanism, then the floating plate can be effectively constrained, but the structure becomes bloated and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the floating plate limiting structure with the connecting rod components. The first connecting rod component includes a limiting portion that directly limits the floating plate, merging the limiting function into the existing connecting rod structure rather than using a separate limiting mechanism. This integration eliminates redundant structures and achieves compact design.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting rod components serve multiple functions: they connect the base frame to the flexible display screen, enable folding motion, and simultaneously limit the floating plate's movement range. By making the connecting rod multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate limiting structures, thereby reducing overall volume.
2Volume of moving object
If the hinge mechanism structure is simplified to reduce volume, then the device becomes more compact, but the reliability of the floating plate limitation may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The limiting function is merged into the first connecting rod component through the limiting portion, which directly engages with the floating plate. This integration ensures that the limiting function is reliably performed by a structurally sound component rather than a separate, potentially weaker limiting mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The limiting portion and the corresponding structure on the floating plate are designed with curved surfaces that work together to constrain the floating plate's motion. The curved geometry provides smooth guidance and reliable limitation while maintaining a compact form factor.
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 achieves a more compact structure, enhancing the lightness and thinness of foldable electronic devices by limiting the floating plate's motion, preventing over-unfolding or deformation, and supporting the flexible display screen effectively.
Implementation Method 1
the first connecting rod component and the second connecting rod component rotate along the base frame component
Implementation Method 2
The first connecting rod component can at least limitingly cooperate with the floating plate when the hinge mechanism is in the unfolded state and/or the folded state to limit a range of motion of the floating plate relative to the connection member
Implementation Method 3
when the hinge mechanism is in the unfolded state, at least a part of the floating plate and the base frame component form a support structure
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a hinge mechanism and a foldable electronic device. The hinge mechanism includes a base frame component (100), and a bearing component (200). The bearing component (100) includes a connection member (210) and a floating plate (220) movably connected to the connection member (210). The hinge mechanism includes a first connecting rod component (300) and a second connecting rod component (400). The first connecting rod component (300) is at least capable of limitingly mating with the floating plate (220) when the hinge mechanism is in the unfolded state and/or the folded state, so as to limit a range of motion of the floating plate (220) relative to the connection member (210).