Foldable Hinge Minimizing Screen Gap via Arcuate Guideways
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional foldable electronic devices with hinges create a gap between display screens in the unfolded state, affecting touch operation due to the large distance between sections.
Innovation Solution
A hinge design featuring a base frame, mechanically transmitting assembly, and support frames that allow synchronous rotation, minimizing the gap between sections by positioning the juncture coaxial with the rotating axis, enabling the sections to be closer in the unfolded state and reducing the overall size of the hinge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional hinge is used with sections spaced apart to ensure smooth operation and prevent collision, then the hinge can rotate smoothly without sections hitting each other, but the distance between display screens becomes relatively large which adversely affects touch operation
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism transitions from a conventional planar rotation to a three-dimensional motion path where the support frames move along arcuate guideways. This dimensional change allows the sections to rotate smoothly while maintaining a smaller distance between display screens, as the rotation occurs along a curved path rather than a simple arc, effectively resolving the contradiction between smooth operation and screen distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanically transmitting assembly acts as an intermediary between the base frame and support frames, enabling smooth rotation through coordinated mechanical transmission while allowing the sections to be positioned closer together. The pinion-gear mechanism transmits motion in a way that maintains operational smoothness while reducing the gap between sections.
2Length of moving object
If the sections are positioned closer together to improve touch operation, then the distance between display screens is reduced, but the hinge structure becomes more complex and may cause sections to collide during rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge is segmented into distinct functional components: a base frame with guideways, mechanically transmitting assemblies with pinions and gears, and support frames with arcuate motion paths. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, enabling close positioning of sections while maintaining structural clarity and avoiding collision through dedicated guidance mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
By implementing arcuate guideways that constrain motion to a specific three-dimensional path, the design allows sections to be positioned closer together without increasing complexity. The guideways provide inherent collision prevention through geometric constraints, eliminating the need for additional complex safety mechanisms.
3Device complexity
If a conventional hinge design is used, then the structure is simpler, but the overall size and height of the hinge becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanically transmitting assembly is nested within the space defined by the base frame and support frames. The pinion-gear mechanism is integrated into the arcuate guideway structure, allowing the hinge to achieve a compact overall size and reduced height while maintaining the necessary mechanical functions. This nesting eliminates wasted space and reduces the external dimensions of the hinge.
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
The solution minimizes the distance between display screens in the unfolded state, enhancing touch operation and reducing the size and height of the hinge, making it more compact and functional.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the support frames has an arcuate frame body configured to slidably engage the respective guideway and coupled with the mechanically transmitting assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge includes a base frame, a mechanically transmitting assembly and two support frames. The base frame defines two guideways disposed opposite to each other in a front-and-rear direction. The mechanically transmitting assembly is mounted on the base frame and partly disposed in the guideways. Each support frame has an arcuate frame body slidably engaging the respective guideway and coupled with the mechanically transmitting assembly, and a support frame body disposed outwardly of the base frame. The support frames are rotatable about a rotating axis relative to the base frame to make synchronous rotation in opposite rotational directions through the mechanically transmitting assembly. The rotating axis is disposed above the base frame.