Foldable Electronic Device Hinge Guidance for Motion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable electronic devices experience unnecessary movement and damage to components due to external forces, leading to stress and potential damage to the flexible display and internal circuits.
Innovation Solution
A hinge structure with a shaft member and arm structure, featuring guide holes and protrusions that allow for controlled rotation and sliding movements, reducing unwanted movement and stress on housings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the first housing and second housing are connected to the hinge structure with gaps for folding operation, then the folding operation is enabled, but unnecessary movement and damage to components occur due to external forces
Solution Approach 1:
The guide hole and protrusion act as intermediary elements between the housing and hinge structure. The protrusion fits within the guide hole to provide guided movement, allowing the housing to rotate relative to the hinge structure while preventing lateral displacement. This intermediary mechanism enables folding operation while protecting components from damage caused by uncontrolled movement.
2Ease of operation
If the housing is allowed to move freely for folding operation, then the folding function is achieved, but stress is transmitted to other components causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The guide hole and protrusion mechanism serves as an intermediary that controls and directs the movement of the housing during folding operation. By constraining the housing to move only along the guided path, the mechanism prevents transmission of harmful stress to other components while maintaining ease of folding operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide hole and protrusion create a dynamic constraint system that adapts to the folding motion. The protrusion slides within the guide hole during rotation, providing continuous guidance and stress distribution throughout the folding range, thereby reducing peak stresses on components.
3Ease of manufacture
If dimensional tolerances and assembly tolerances are present for manufacturing, then manufacturing is easier, but gaps occur between components causing unwanted movement
Solution Approach 1:
The guide hole and protrusion act as an intermediary mechanism that compensates for dimensional tolerances and assembly variations. By providing a guided fit between components, the mechanism ensures stable relative positioning even when manufacturing tolerances exist, preventing unwanted movement while maintaining ease of manufacture.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device may include a hinge structure and a housing connected to the hinge structure. The hinge structure may include a shaft member and an arm structure connected to the shaft member and the housing such that the housing is rotatable. A guide hole, which extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis of the housing, may be formed in the housing. The arm structure may include a protruding portion accommodated in the guide hole. The protruding portion may slidably move inside the guide hole in accordance with the rotation of the housing. Another embodiment identified through the specification is possible.