Foldable Device Hinge Structure With Step-Surface Load Constraint
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Solution Overview
Problem
The structural reliability of hinge mechanisms in foldable electronic devices is compromised due to potential displacement or deformation under external loads, leading to damage of flexible displays when in a closed state.
Innovation Solution
A hinge mechanism with a main shaft module, first and second support plates, and rotating components that include step surfaces to limit displacement and deformation, utilizing snap-fit connections and latch hooks to enhance structural reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the hinge mechanism is designed with a compact structure to accommodate the flexible display in a closed state, then the device achieves a thinner profile and better portability, but the spacing between the bent part of the flexible display and the hinge mechanism becomes small, increasing the risk of collision and damage when internal parts displace or deform under external load
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism is divided into multiple independent components: main shaft, first support arm, second support arm, first support plate, and second support plate. Each component can move and deform independently, allowing the overall structure to absorb external loads through distributed deformation rather than concentrating stress in one location, thereby preventing collision with the flexible display while maintaining a compact closed state
Solution Approach 2:
The support arms are designed with variable stiffness characteristics through their geometric structure and material distribution. When external load is applied, the support arms change their deformation parameters dynamically - remaining rigid during normal operation to maintain compact structure, but allowing controlled displacement under load to prevent damage to the flexible display
2Reliability
If the hinge mechanism uses rigid connections to prevent displacement and deformation under external load, then structural reliability is improved, but the mechanism loses its ability to accommodate the flexible display in a compact closed state
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system where components can rotate and displace relative to each other. The support arms are connected via rotational joints that allow controlled movement under external load, enabling the structure to adapt its configuration - maintaining rigidity when needed for reliability but allowing displacement when needed to prevent damage, thus resolving the contradiction between rigidity and compactness
Data Source
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AI summary
A hinge mechanism (1) and an electronic device are provided. The hinge mechanism (1) includes a main shaft module (101) and two support plates, the main shaft module (101) includes two rotating components, two housing mounting brackets, and a main shaft (1013). The two rotating components are located on two opposite sides of the main shaft (1013). A support arm of the rotating component is rotatably connected to the main shaft (1013), and is slidably connected to a housing mounting bracket disposed on a same side. Each support plate is rotatably connected to a housing mounting bracket disposed on a same side. When the hinge mechanism (1) is in a closed state, the two support plates and the main shaft (1013) enclose a screen accommodating space (7), and an end part that is of each support plate and that is close to the main shaft (1013) is disposed opposite to a step surface of a support arm disposed on a same side. In this way, when the hinge mechanism (1) is impacted by an external load, the end part that is of the support plate and that is close to the main shaft (1013) abuts against the corresponding step surface, so that an internal force transmission path of the main shaft module (101) can be effectively improved, to reduce a displacement amount between the support arm and the housing mounting bracket, so as to improve structural reliability of the hinge mechanism (1), and further improve structural reliability of the electronic device.