Foldable Hinge Link Structure for Backlash-Free Housing Interlock
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing hinge structures for foldable electronic devices suffer from backlash issues, which prevent the housings from interlocking properly and cause the center bar to tilt, compromising the horizontal state of the display.
Innovation Solution
A hinge structure incorporating a link mechanism with spiral guide grooves and guide pins that allow the first and second housings to interlock and maintain a horizontal center bar by moving in the axial direction during folding and unfolding operations, reducing backlash and ensuring the center bar remains horizontal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a gear interlocking structure is used to connect the first housing and the second housing, then the housings can be folded at the same angle in opposite directions, but backlash occurs between the engaged gears causing the housings to not interlock properly
Solution Approach 1:
A link structure is introduced as an intermediary component between the first and second housings. This link structure includes a first link connected to the first housing and a second link connected to the second housing, with a central part connecting both links. The intermediary link structure transmits rotational force while eliminating backlash, ensuring precise interlocking of the housings during folding operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional direct gear interlocking system is replaced with a link-based mechanical system. Instead of relying on gear teeth engagement that produces backlash, the invention uses a link structure with a central part that mechanically couples the two housings, providing backlash-free transmission of rotational motion.
2Reliability
If the first housing and the second housing do not interlock properly due to backlash, then the center bar cannot maintain a horizontal state
Solution Approach 1:
The link structure serves as a mediator that ensures proper interlocking between housings, which in turn allows the center bar to maintain its horizontal state. The intermediary mechanism transmits motion precisely, preventing the housing misalignment that would cause center bar tilting.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of directly connecting the housings with gears, the invention inverts the approach by using a central link structure that connects to both housings. This inverted connection method ensures that the center bar remains horizontal by providing a stable reference point from which both housings can be precisely controlled.
3Speed
If a gear interlocking structure is used, then rotation can be transmitted between housings, but backlash prevents precise angle control
Solution Approach 1:
The gear-based rotational transmission system is replaced with a link-based mechanical system. The link structure with central part provides rotational motion transmission without the backlash inherent in gear systems, thereby achieving both efficient rotation transmission and high angular precision for folding operations.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a first housing, a second housing, a hinge structure connected to the first housing and the second housing such that the first housing rotates about a first rotational axis and the second housing rotates about a second rotational axis, the first and second rotation axes being parallel to an axial direction, and a display covering the first housing, the second housing, and the hinge structure, the hinge structure comprising a first arm shaft extending parallel to the axial direction and rotating according to a rotation of a first rotating structure, a second arm shaft extending parallel to the axial direction and rotating according to a rotation of a second rotating structure, and a link structure moving linearly in the axial direction according to a rotation of the first and second arm shafts.