Foldable Device Hinge Assembly With Reduced Gaps and Displacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current shaft assemblies in flexible electronic devices are complex in structure, leading to increased total gaps and displacements, which affect the quality and functionality of the devices.
Innovation Solution
The electronic assembly includes a shaft assembly with a first shaft case, first rotating members, and rotating units, which are arranged oppositely with housings. The rotating units feature a second rotating member and a movable plate, allowing for simplified folding/unfolding mechanisms and improved structural quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex shaft assembly structure is used, then the folding/unfolding mechanism can achieve basic functionality, but the total gaps and displacements increase, reducing the quality of the shaft assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components into an integrated shaft assembly structure where the shaft case, rotating members, and rotating units work as a unified system. This merging reduces the number of separate parts and interfaces, thereby minimizing total gaps and displacements while maintaining folding/unfolding functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft assembly is segmented into distinct functional modules: shaft case, rotating members, and rotating units. Each module is optimized independently and then integrated, allowing for precise manufacturing and assembly that reduces cumulative gaps and displacements across the entire structure.
2Ease of operation
If multiple rotating members and rotating units are added to improve folding/unfolding control, then the functionality is enhanced, but the structural complexity and accumulated displacements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating members and rotating units are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as structural support elements and as control mechanisms for folding/unfolding. This universal design reduces the need for additional dedicated control components, minimizing overall complexity while maintaining operational control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where rotating members are positioned within or alongside the shaft case, and rotating units are integrated within the shaft assembly structure. This nesting reduces the overall footprint and minimizes the number of external connections, thereby reducing accumulated displacements.
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional shaft assembly structures are used, then manufacturing is straightforward, but the total gaps lead to enlarged displacements after falling
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft case and rotating members are designed with pre-configured positioning features and alignment mechanisms that ensure precise fit during assembly. This preliminary design of alignment features reduces the need for complex adjustment procedures during manufacturing while achieving tight gap control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes critical dimensions and tolerances of the shaft case, rotating members, and rotating units to minimize gaps. By carefully selecting and controlling key geometric parameters during the design phase, the assembly achieves high manufacturing precision without requiring excessively complex assembly processes.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic assembly includes a shaft assembly and housings arranged oppositely. The shaft assembly includes a first shaft case, first rotating members, and rotating units. The first rotating members are at least partially disposed at two opposite sides of the first shaft case. Each of the first rotating members has one end rotatably connected with the first shaft case and the other end connected with the housings. The rotating units are at least partially disposed at the two opposite sides of the first shaft case. Each of the rotating units includes a second rotating member and a movable plate. The second rotating member has one end rotatably connected with the first shaft case and the other end connected with the movable plate. The movable plate has one end connected to the housings.