Foldable Hinge Locking Structure for Abnormal Folding Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Deformable displays in electronic devices are structurally weak and prone to damage during use or when used contrary to their intended usage.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a hinge locking structure that includes a pin and a groove, where a magnet is used to insert the pin into the groove in an abnormal state, preventing damage by limiting the rotation of the hinge structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a deformable display is used to enable folding functionality, then the device achieves portability and screen flexibility, but the display becomes structurally weak and prone to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge locking structure proactively prevents abnormal folding before damage can occur. The magnet and pin mechanism creates a locking condition that stops the hinge from rotating beyond safe limits, thereby preemptively protecting the deformable display from structural damage
Solution Approach 2:
The locking structure is pre-configured with a magnet and pin positioned to engage at critical rotation angles. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when abnormal folding is attempted, the locking mechanism is already in place to prevent further movement that would damage the display
2Ease of operation
If the hinge structure allows free rotation for flexibility, then the device can fold and unfold smoothly, but the display may be damaged by unintended or contrary usage
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet and pin locking structure acts as an intermediary mechanism between the hinge rotation and the deformable display. It mediates the folding action by allowing controlled movement while blocking harmful rotation angles, thus protecting the display from unintended usage damage
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
The hinge locking structure effectively reduces damage to the display and the electronic device by physically limiting the movement of the hinge structures in abnormal states, thereby preventing unintended folding.
Implementation Method 1
a hinge locking structure which, in an abnormal state of the electronic device in which a portion of the first surface is adjacent to the second surface, faces the first magnet
Data Source
AI summary
An example electronic device may include a first housing including a first surface, a second housing including a second surface, a third housing including a third surface, a first hinge structure rotatably connecting the second housing and the first housing, a second hinge structure rotatably connecting the first housing and the third housing, a flexible display disposed on the first surface, the second surface and the third surface, a first magnet disposed in the second housing, and a hinge locking structure which, in an abnormal state of the electronic device in which a portion of the first surface is adjacent to the second surface, faces the first magnet and which includes a pin insertable into a groove formed in at least one shaft in the second hinge structure.