Foldable Hinge Structure With External Rotation Centers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hinges for flexible electronic devices have structural strength and aesthetic issues due to the thickness dependency on pinion diameter and interference between rotating units and lateral support plates, leading to a thinned structure that compromises strength and appearance.
Innovation Solution
A hinge design with elongated sides, arcuate guideways, linking members, sliding members, and synchronous driving units that allow for relative folding and unfolding of housing shells, avoiding interference by positioning rotating centers outside the receiving space and maintaining structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the hinge uses conventional pinion-based synchronous driving units, then the rotating units can be driven synchronously, but the hinge thickness increases and structural strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the rotating center of the rotary brackets from the receiving space of the fixed seat and positions it outside. This extraction eliminates the interference between rotating units and lateral support plates, allowing the hinge to achieve thinner structure without compromising synchronous driving stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement by positioning rotating centers in a different dimensional location (outside the receiving space) rather than within it. This dimensional repositioning resolves the interference issue while maintaining synchronous rotation capability
2Length of moving object
If the hinge uses a thinned structure to avoid interference, then the hinge thickness is reduced, but the structural strength and appearance are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-positioning the rotating centers outside the receiving space before assembly. This preliminary spatial arrangement prevents interference from occurring, allowing the use of thinned structures without compromising strength
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces arcuate guideways as intermediary elements that guide the motion of linking members. These guideways mediate between the rotating units and lateral support plates, enabling thin structure design while maintaining structural integrity through controlled motion paths
3Ease of operation
If the hinge uses gap between fixed seat and lateral support plates to permit rotary bracket extension, then the rotary brackets can move freely, but interference occurs with fixed seat or lateral support plates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the rotary brackets from the interfering configuration by positioning their rotating centers outside the receiving space. This extraction eliminates the harmful interference while maintaining the freedom of motion through the arcuate guideway constraints
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge is connectable with two housing shells for permitting relative folding and unfolding of the housing shells, and includes a fixed seat, at least two rotating units, two lateral support plates and at least one synchronous driving unit. The rotating units are shiftable between an open state and a closed state. Each rotating unit includes a linking member fittingly and arcuately slidable on the fixed seat, a sliding member fittingly and arcuately slidable on the linking member, and a rotary bracket pivotably mounted on the fixed seat and inclinedly slidable on the sliding member. The lateral support plates are respectively mounted on the linking members. The synchronous driving unit includes two inboard pinions and two outboard pinions arranged laterally to mesh with bracket toothed portions of the rotary brackets to make synchronous rotation of the rotary brackets in opposite rotational directions.