Foldable Hinge Structure With Magnetic Flattening Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable electronic devices face challenges in maintaining a stable unfolded state due to weak external forces, leading to unintended folding or unfolding, which affects user experience and device durability.
Innovation Solution
A hinge structure with a supporting sheet and flattening supports, including magnets or electromagnetic components, that generate a force parallel to the plane to maintain the unfolded state, preventing unwanted state changes under weak external actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the supporting sheet is designed to be foldable, then portability and large-screen display experience are improved, but stability in the unfolded state deteriorates due to weak external forces causing unintended folding or unfolding
Solution Approach 1:
The flattening support applies a preliminary force in the opposite direction to potential unintended folding movements. When the supporting sheet is in the unfolded state, the flattening support generates a counteracting force parallel to the plane of the supporting sheet, preventing weak external forces from causing unintended folding or unfolding, thus maintaining stability while preserving foldability for portability and large-screen display.
2Ease of operation
If the hinge structure allows easy switching between folded and unfolded states, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to unintended state changes under weak external actions
Solution Approach 1:
The flattening support provides a preliminary counteracting force that prevents unintended state changes while allowing intentional switching. When the supporting sheet is unfolded, the flattening support generates a force parallel to the plane that resists weak external forces, ensuring reliable maintenance of the unfolded state while still permitting easy switching when deliberate user action is applied.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the hinge structure includes flattening supports with magnets or electromagnetic components, then stability in unfolded state is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical locking mechanisms with a simpler electromagnetic or magnetic field-based flattening support system. The flattening support uses magnets or electromagnetic components to generate a force parallel to the plane of the supporting sheet, maintaining stability in the unfolded state without requiring complex mechanical structures, thereby improving stability while controlling device complexity.
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 structure effectively maintains the desired state of the foldable electronic device, enhancing user experience by preventing unintended folding or unfolding and reducing wear and tear.
Implementation Method 1
at least one flattening support including a first support, a second support, and a flattening bracket, the flattening bracket being connected to the first support and the second support, and the flattening bracket being connected to the supporting sheet, wherein when the supporting sheet is in the unfolded, flattened state, the first support and the second support interact with each other and generate a force parallel to a plane where the supporting sheet is located
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge structure includes: a supporting sheet having an unfolded, flattened state and a folded state; at least one first hinge connected to the supporting sheet, the at least one first hinge being configured to drive the supporting sheet to switch between the unfolded, flattened state and the folded state; at least one flattening support including a first support, a second support, and a flattening bracket, the flattening bracket being connected to the first support and the second support, the flattening bracket being connected to the supporting sheet. When the supporting sheet is in the unfolded, flattened state, the first support and the second support interact with each other and generate a force parallel to a plane where the supporting sheet is located, to maintain the supporting sheet in the unfolded, flattened state.