Foldable Hinge Rotator Assembly for Smooth Low-Stress Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable electronic devices face challenges in smoothly transitioning between unfolded and folded states due to limitations in hinge mechanisms, leading to potential damage and reduced durability.
Innovation Solution
A foldable electronic device with a hinge assembly comprising a bracket, a first rotator, and a second rotator, where the second rotator rotates with respect to the bracket upon reaching a threshold angle, allowing for smooth transitions between states while minimizing stress on components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional hinge mechanism is used to connect housing parts, then the device can achieve folding and unfolding movements, but the mechanical stress and potential damage to components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is divided into multiple independent rotators (first rotator, second rotator, third rotator) that can rotate at different angles and times. This segmentation allows each rotator to handle specific portions of the folding/unfolding movement, distributing mechanical stress across multiple components rather than concentrating it in a single hinge mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly employs dynamic rotation characteristics where the first rotator has a different rotation angle range than the second and third rotators. During folding and unfolding, the rotators engage and disengage at different stages, creating a dynamic stress distribution pattern that reduces peak mechanical loads on individual components.
2Device complexity
If housing parts are directly rotatably coupled, then the structure remains simple, but smooth transition between folded and unfolded states cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of a single direct coupling, the connection between housing parts is segmented into multiple rotators with distinct rotation ranges. The first rotator handles initial movement, while the second and third rotators handle subsequent movement stages, creating a smooth multi-stage transition.
Solution Approach 2:
The first rotator acts as an intermediary component between the second housing part and the bracket. It mediates the transition by rotating at a different angle range, allowing the second and third rotators to operate smoothly without direct rigid coupling constraints.
3Device complexity
If all rotators rotate simultaneously, then the mechanism operates simply, but mechanical stress concentrates on the bracket
Solution Approach 1:
The rotators are designed with different rotation angle ranges that create a dynamic, sequential operation pattern. The first rotator rotates within a specific angle range, while the second and third rotators rotate within different ranges, ensuring they do not all rotate simultaneously and thereby distributing stress over time and space.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation movement is segmented across multiple rotators with different angular ranges. This segmentation ensures that the mechanical load is distributed across multiple components rather than concentrated on the bracket, as each rotator handles a specific portion of the total rotation required.
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable electronic device includes a foldable housing including a first housing part and a second housing part, and a hinge assembly configured to provide an unfolding movement and a folding movement. The hinge assembly includes a bracket, a first rotator rotatably coupled to the bracket, and a second rotator coupled to the first rotator, coupled to the second housing part, and rotatably coupled to the bracket through the first rotator. The second rotator is configured to rotate with respect to the bracket according to the folding movement. The first rotator is configured to start to rotate with respect to the bracket in conjunction with the second rotator, based on a rotation angle of the second rotator reaching a threshold angle according to the folding movement.