Foldable Hinge Structure With Magnetic Flattening Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable electronic devices face challenges in maintaining the unfolded, flattened state without switching to the folded state under weak external actions, which affects the desired hinge structure stability and user experience.
Innovation Solution
A hinge structure incorporating a supporting sheet with magnets and a synchronization mechanism, including a cylindrical gear set and guide rod gears, that maintains the unfolded state through magnetic interaction and controlled rotation, preventing unintended folding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If magnetic assemblies are used to maintain the unfolded state, then the stability in the unfolded state is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional magnetic components and alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the magnetic assembly with the hinge structure itself, integrating the magnetic components into the existing hinge mechanism rather than adding separate magnetic assemblies. This merging approach maintains the stabilizing magnetic force while reducing overall device complexity by eliminating redundant components.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic assembly is designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the hinge's position, providing self-regulating stability. When the hinge is in the unfolded state, the magnetic force automatically maintains it without requiring additional control mechanisms, and when folded, the magnetic components naturally disengage, eliminating the need for complex control systems.
2Ease of operation
If the hinge structure allows free movement between folded and unfolded states, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability decreases due to unintended switching under weak external actions
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic assembly provides a preliminary stabilizing force that counteracts weak external actions before they can cause unintended state switching. The magnetic force creates a energy barrier that prevents accidental transitions, while still allowing intentional folding when sufficient force is applied by the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge structure employs dynamic magnetic forces that adjust based on the hinge position and movement velocity. During normal operation, the magnetic force provides gentle guidance and stabilization, but when rapid or forceful movement is detected (indicating intentional user action), the magnetic resistance decreases, allowing smooth transition between states.
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 solution effectively maintains the unfolded state of the supporting sheet under weak external actions, ensuring the hinge structure remains in the desired configuration, enhancing stability and user experience by preventing unintended folding.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the first support and the second support includes a magnet, polarity of one side surface of the first support is different from that of one side surface of the second support. When the supporting sheet is in the unfolded, flattened state, the side surfaces with different polarities are arranged to be opposite to each other and 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
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AI summary
A hinge structure (100) and a foldable electronic device are provided. The hinge structure (100) includes: a supporting sheet (1) having an unfolded, flattened state and a folded state; at least one first hinge (2) connected to the supporting sheet (1) and configured to drive the supporting sheet (1) to switch between the unfolded, flattened state and the folded state; at least one flattening support (3) including a first support (31), a second support (32), and a flattening bracket (33) which is connected to the first support (31) and the second support (32) and connected to the supporting sheet (1). When the supporting sheet (1) is in the unfolded, flattened state, the first support (31) and the second support (32) interact with each other and generate a force parallel to a plane where the supporting sheet (1) is located, to maintain the supporting sheet (1) in the unfolded, flattened state.