Foldable Hinge Mechanism With Floating Support Screen Clearance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Foldable electronic devices with outward folding structures face issues where the display screen is prone to friction or collision with external objects when folded, leading to potential damage and reduced service life.

Innovation Solution

A hinge mechanism comprising a base, first rotating parts, linkage members, and a floating support part, which allows the electronic device to switch between unfolded and folded states while protecting the display screen by adjusting the distance between the floating support part and the base.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an outward folding structure is adopted, then the device achieves portability and large display area, but the display screen is prone to friction or collision with external objects when folded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveportability and large display areaVSAvoidfriction or collision damage to display screen

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional outward folding structure by implementing an inward folding mechanism where the display screen folds into the device body. This reversal positions the screen away from external objects during folding, eliminating friction and collision risks while maintaining portability and display area benefits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the floating support part is positioned close to the base, then the support stability is improved, but the display screen may collide with the floating support part during folding

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport stabilityVSAvoidcollision between display screen and floating support part

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The floating support part is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to adjust its distance from the base according to the folding state. During folding operations, the support part moves to a farther position to avoid collision, while during stable display modes, it positions closer to provide optimal support stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that detect the folding state and automatically adjust the floating support part's position accordingly. This feedback control ensures the support part maintains optimal distance - close for stability during static display, and far to prevent collision during dynamic folding operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20250036170A1Hinge Mechanism and Electronic Device

Publication Date: 2025.01.30 VIVO MOBILE COMM CO LTD

AI summary

A hinge mechanism, including a base, a first rotating part, a linkage member, and a floating support part. In a case that the hinge mechanism is in a first state, a connecting part of a first linkage member is located on one side of the base, a connecting part of a second linkage member is located on another side of the base, at least one of a plurality of second rotating parts supports the floating support part, and a distance between an outer side wall of the base and the floating support part is a first distance. In a case that the hinge mechanism is in a second state, the connecting parts of the first linkage member and second linkage member are both located on a side of the base facing a screen support side, the second rotating part avoids the floating support part, the distance is a second distance.