Foldable Terminal Hinge Structure for High Rigidity in Less Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotating shaft assemblies in foldable terminal devices, such as mobile phones and tablets, have a large thickness and volume due to the need for high rigidity, occupying excessive space.
Innovation Solution
A rotating shaft assembly with a base and swing arm design featuring a sliding groove connection, where the rotating part has staggered surfaces to distribute force, reducing the need for increased thickness and volume by scattering the force-bearing surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the thickness of the base and swing arm are increased to improve rigidity, then the rigidity is improved, but the overall thickness and volume of the rotating shaft assembly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a traditional single-plane hinge structure to a three-dimensional structure by staggering the first and second surfaces of the rotating part along the rotation axis direction. This dimensional change allows force to be distributed across multiple levels (first surface contacts first portion, second surface contacts second portion), achieving improved rigidity without increasing the overall thickness or volume of the assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating part is divided into distinct surface elements (first surface and second surface) that are staggered along the rotation axis. The base is segmented into first and second portions that can independently contact different surfaces of the rotating part. This segmentation allows force to be distributed across multiple contact points rather than concentrated on a single plane, improving rigidity efficiency.
2Strength
If the thickness of the base and swing arm are increased to improve rigidity, then the rigidity is improved, but the space occupancy rate in the terminal device increases
Solution Approach 1:
By staggering surfaces along the rotation axis (vertical dimension), the patent creates a three-dimensional force distribution system. This allows the hinge to achieve required rigidity within a compact footprint, reducing the horizontal space occupancy rate in the terminal device while maintaining structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented structure with multiple contact surfaces (first surface with first portion, second surface with second portion) distributes mechanical loads across different spatial locations. This efficient force distribution reduces the need for excessive material thickness, thereby minimizing the overall space occupied by the hinge assembly in the device.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of this application provide a rotating shaft assembly and a terminal device. The rotating shaft assembly includes a base and a swing arm, the base includes a first portion and a second portion that are fixedly connected, and a first sliding groove is formed between the first portion and the second portion. The swing arm includes a rotating part and a swinging part, and the rotating part is slidably connected to the first sliding groove. When the rotating part slides relative to the first sliding groove, the swinging part rotates relative to the base. The rotating part includes at least one first surface and at least one second surface, the at least one first surface is disposed opposite to a side surface of the first portion, the at least one second surface is disposed opposite to a side surface of the second portion, and along a rotation axis of the swinging part, at least a portion of the first surface and at least a portion of the second surface are staggered.