Foldable Mobile Terminal Hinge Mechanism for Length Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile terminals with flexible displays face challenges in adapting to changes in side lengths between folded and unfolded states due to the thickness of the device.

Innovation Solution

A foldable mechanism is introduced, comprising first and second rotation assemblies with sliding plates, rotation shafts, and connection rods, allowing the shells to adapt to length differences during folding and unfolding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the mobile terminal uses a flexible display screen that is foldable, then the mobile terminal can be switched between folded and unfolded states, but the two sides of the mobile terminal have different lengths in the folded state due to the thickness of the device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to switch between folded and unfolded statesVSAvoidlength equality of two opposing sides
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge assembly is designed with dynamic adjustment capabilities, allowing the connection between first and second shells to adapt to length changes during folding and unfolding. The hinge includes rotatable and slidable components that enable the structure to dynamically compensate for the length difference caused by device thickness, maintaining side length equality in both folded and unfolded states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile terminal is divided into separate first and second shells connected by a hinge assembly. This segmentation allows independent movement and adjustment of each shell relative to the other, enabling the hinge to compensate for length differences caused by device thickness while maintaining overall structural integrity and side length equality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the hinge structure is designed to accommodate length changes during folding, then the mobile terminal can adapt to different states, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to adapt to length changesVSAvoidhinge structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge assembly merges multiple functions into a single integrated structure that connects the first and second shells. It combines rotational and sliding mechanisms within one unified assembly, allowing the structure to accommodate length changes during folding while avoiding the need for separate adjustment mechanisms, thus reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it connects the first and second shells, enables folding and unfolding movements, compensates for length differences caused by device thickness, and maintains side length equality. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby controlling device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3627805B1Foldable mobile terminal
Publication Date: 2025.04.09 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • EP3627805B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3627805B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3627805B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A foldable mobile terminal, comprising: a flexible display screen (10); a first housing (31) and a second housing (32), the flexible display screen being provided on the first housing and the second housing; and a foldable mechanism (20) comprising a first rotating assembly (50) connected to the first housing and a second rotating assembly (60) connected to the second housing. The first and second rotating assemblies both comprise sliding plates (51, 61), rotating shafts (53, 63), and connecting rods (54, 64). The sliding plates are at least partially received in the housings, and can extend or retract with respect to the housings in a sliding manner. First ends of the connecting rods are slidably and hingedly connected to the rotating shafts, and second ends are rotatably connected to the housings.