Foldable Electronic Hinge Layout With Hidden Connection Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices with multi-stage rotating shaft structures expose the connection mechanism, detracting from the user experience by occupying valuable space and affecting the appearance.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device design featuring a first body and a second body that rotate relative to each other via a flexible screen and a connection device, with the connection device hidden between walls of the bodies, allowing for a larger flexible screen and input component area, and maintaining a consistent appearance through controlled edge distance changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a multi-stage rotating shaft structure is used to connect bodies, then the rotation function is achieved, but the connection mechanism is exposed and occupies valuable space
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device is nested within the first body and second body, with the rotating shaft hidden inside the bodies. The first body includes a first housing that contains the rotating shaft, and the second body includes a second housing that contains the rotating shaft. This nesting approach hides the connection mechanism while maintaining the rotation function, resolving the contradiction between exposing the mechanism and occupying visible space.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating shaft and connection mechanism are extracted from the visible exterior and placed inside the first body and second body. The external appearance shows only the flexible screen and body housings, while the mechanical connection components are removed from the visible area and integrated into the internal structure, eliminating the harmful visual effect while preserving the rotational capability.
2Ease of operation
If a multi-stage rotating shaft structure is used, then the connection mechanism is exposed, but the flexible screen area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is moved from a two-dimensional external exposure to a three-dimensional internal integration. The rotating shaft is positioned within the thickness dimension of the bodies, allowing the flexible screen to extend across the full surface area without obstruction. This dimensional relocation enables the flexible screen to occupy maximum area while the connection mechanism operates internally in the third dimension.
3Shape
If the connection device is placed between top and bottom walls, then the appearance is neat, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The first housing and second housing serve multiple functions: they contain the rotating shaft, provide structural support, and define the internal space for the connection mechanism. These housings also serve as mounting structures for the flexible screen and external components. By making these structures multi-functional, the design achieves a neat appearance with the connection device hidden between walls without proportionally increasing overall structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a first body and a second body. The first body includes: a first sub-body and a second sub-body and a flexible screen that includes a first part on the first sub-body, a second part on the second sub-body, and a connection part there-between. The first and second parts are able to rotate through the connection part. The second body is rotatably connected to an end of the first sub-body through a connection device. The second body is able to rotate relative to the first sub-body through the connection device. A part where the connection device is connected to the first sub-body is located between a first top wall and a first bottom wall of the first sub-body. A part where the connection device is connected to the second body is located between a second top wall and a second bottom wall of the first body.