Foldable Hinge Locking Assembly for Stable Multi-Angle Bending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable electronic devices lack efficient mechanisms for maintaining multiple stable bending states and ensuring smooth, multi-angle folding and unfolding transitions, often resulting in instability and complexity in hinge assemblies.
Innovation Solution
A hinge assembly with a rotating assembly and locking mechanisms featuring limiting portions and elastic pieces that allow for multi-angle limitations and smooth state transitions, utilizing concave-convex interactions and elastic components for stable positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hinge assembly uses multiple locking mechanisms to maintain stable bending states, then the stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is divided into multiple independent locking mechanisms, each responsible for a specific bending angle. Each locking mechanism includes a locking component with limiting portions and an elastic piece, allowing the system to achieve multi-angle stability through modular, segmented design rather than a single complex mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic pieces automatically engage with the limiting portions at specific bending angles without requiring external actuation. When the hinge reaches a predetermined angle, the elastic piece naturally snaps into the limiting portion, providing self-locking functionality that maintains stability without additional control systems
2Ease of operation
If a hinge assembly uses simple structure for folding and unfolding, then the ease of operation is improved, but the ability to maintain multiple stable bending states deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly transitions from a static single-angle locking design to a dynamic multi-angle system. The locking mechanisms are arranged along the bending path, allowing the hinge to dynamically select and lock at different angles during folding and unfolding operations, providing both smooth operation and multi-position stability
Solution Approach 2:
The bending angle parameter is discretized into multiple stable positions, each corresponding to a specific locking mechanism. The system changes the locking parameter from a single fixed angle to multiple discrete angles, enabling the hinge to maintain stable states at various bending positions while preserving operational smoothness
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
Enables stable multi-angle bending and smooth folding/unfolding of foldable electronic devices, enhancing user experience and reducing mechanical complexity.
Implementation Method 1
locking mechanisms featuring limiting portions and elastic pieces that allow for multi-angle limitations and smooth state transitions
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure relates to a hinge assembly and an electronic device. The hinge assembly includes a fixed supporting piece (1); a rotating assembly, movably connected with the fixed supporting piece (1) and including a first limiting portion (21); and a locking mechanism (3), disposed on the fixed supporting piece (1) and including a limiting piece (31) which includes a second limiting portion matched with the first limiting portion (21). The fixed supporting piece (1) slides relative to rotating assembly in a direction perpendicular to an axial direction of rotating assembly in a rotation process of rotating assembly, so that first limiting portion (21) is connected with or separated from second limiting portion ; when first limiting portion (21) is connected with second limiting portion, two limiting portions are matched with each other to limit rotation of rotating assembly; when separated, limiting of rotating assembly is released.