Foldable Device Hinge Latch Mechanism Preventing Display Collision

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional foldable electronic devices experience mechanical failure due to the display module colliding with the input module when the display module and pivot member have an acute angle relative to the input module, causing rotation by gravity.

Innovation Solution

A foldable electronic device with a hinge mechanism that includes a first hinge, a second hinge, a slider, a fixed assembly, gears, and a latch, where the second hinge and fixed assembly rotate around the first hinge, driven by gears, and a resilient member exerts a spring force to release the latch from an opening, allowing the display module to rotate relative to the pivot member without collision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the display module and pivot member are allowed to rotate freely relative to each other, then the device can be unfolded for use, but the display module may collide with the input module causing mechanical failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunfoldable capabilityVSAvoidmechanical failure prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The latch mechanism is pre-positioned to engage with the display module before rotation occurs. When the device is closed, the latch automatically engages to prevent any rotation that would cause collision. This preliminary positioning of the latch mechanism ensures that protective action is already in place before the harmful motion can occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The latch mechanism acts as an intermediary component between the display module and the pivot member. It mediates the rotational motion by selectively allowing or preventing rotation based on the device's state. The slider mechanism serves as another intermediary that translates the rotational motion into latch engagement/disengagement, controlling the interaction between the display module and pivot member.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a latch mechanism is added to prevent collision, then mechanical failure is prevented, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical failure preventionVSAvoidhinge mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The latch mechanism is merged with the existing hinge structure. The latch, slider, and resilient member are integrated into the hinge assembly such that they work together as a unified mechanism. The slider is connected to both the second hinge and the latch, combining the rotational function with the latching function in a single integrated system rather than separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides the primary rotational connection between display module and pivot member, and simultaneously houses the latch mechanism that prevents harmful rotation. The slider serves dual purposes by both guiding the latch and being driven by the second hinge's rotation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the latch is held in place during normal operation, then rotation is prevented, but the display module cannot be unfolded for use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollision preventionVSAvoidunfolding operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The latch mechanism is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The resilient member allows the latch to move between engaged and disengaged states based on the forces applied. When the device is closed, the latch is held in the engaged position by the resilient member's force. When the device is unfolded past the specific angle, the geometric relationship changes and the latch naturally disengages, allowing the display module to rotate freely during use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The latch mechanism operates periodically, engaging when the device is closed and disengaging when unfolded. The resilient member stores and releases energy in a periodic manner, holding the latch in position during the closed state and allowing it to release during the unfolded state. This periodic engagement and disengagement corresponds to the periodic use pattern of the device (closed when not in use, unfolded when in use).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

Prevents mechanical failure by allowing controlled rotation of the display module relative to the pivot member, ensuring safe operation and extending the device's lifespan by avoiding collisions between modules.

Implementation Method 1

the resilient member exerts a spring force on the latch to move relative to the pivot member and release from the opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS11782487B2Foldable electronic device

Publication Date: 2023.10.10 ACER INC

AI summary

A foldable electronic device is provided, including an input module, a pivot member, a display module, and a hinge mechanism. The display module is rotatably connected to the pivot member, and the pivot member is rotatably connected to the input module via the hinge mechanism. Specifically, when the display module and the pivot member are unfolded less than a specific angle relative to the input module, a latch of the hinge mechanism is joined in an opening of the display module, so as to prevent rotation of the display module relative to the pivot member.