Adaptive Foldable Hinge Resistance for One-Hand Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
The resistance provided by the hinge assembly in foldable electronic devices makes it difficult for users to easily open and close the foldable housing with one hand.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a hinge assembly with a motor and detent structure that allows the foldable housing to switch between resistance states, controlled by a processor based on sensor input or wireless communication, enabling easy opening and closing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the hinge assembly provides resistance to fix the foldable housing, then the housing stability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly dynamically adjusts its resistance characteristics based on operational state. During opening/closing operations, the motor reduces resistance to enable easy manual operation. When stationary, the detent structure engages to provide high resistance and stabilize the housing at desired angles, resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the resistance parameter of the hinge assembly between two states: a low-resistance state during movement (enabled by motor assistance) and a high-resistance state when stationary (maintained by detent structure). This parameter switching allows the hinge to satisfy both ease of operation and housing stability requirements at different times.
2Reliability
If the hinge assembly provides high resistance to fix the foldable housing, then the housing remains stable without shaking, but the difficulty of opening and closing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor performs preliminary action by reducing resistance before the user needs to open or close the housing. The processor detects the user's intent through sensors and proactively adjusts the hinge resistance state, making the subsequent manual operation easier while maintaining stability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor acts as an intermediary between the user and the hinge assembly. It mediates the force required to change housing angles by providing resistance reduction during movement, allowing users to easily operate the foldable housing without compromising the stability provided by the detent structure.
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
Facilitates easy manual operation of the foldable housing by adjusting resistance levels, enhancing user convenience and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The hinge assembly may include at least one motor and a detent structure configured to cause the foldable housing to switch from a first resistance state to a second resistance state in which resistance to the rotation is lower than that in the first resistance state using power transferred from the at least one motor
Data Source
AI summary
A portable electronic device may include: a foldable housing comprising a first housing and a second housing; a hinge assembly connecting the first housing and the second housing and enabling the first housing and the second housing to rotate; a sensor circuit; and a processor connected to the sensor circuit. The hinge assembly can comprise: at least one motor; and a detent for switching a first resistance state of the foldable housing to a second resistance state, in which resistance against the rotation is lower than that the first resistance state, by using power transferred from the at least one motor. The processor can: recognize that the foldable housing is being opened or closed on the basis of data received from the sensor circuit; and, on the basis of at least recognizing that the foldable housing is being opened or closed, control the at least one motor to switch the first resistance state of the foldable housing to the second resistance state. Various other embodiments are also possible.