Foldable Hinge Sealing with Flexible Member

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing hinge assembly in foldable electronic devices suffers from poor sealing, leading to inadequate waterproof and dustproof performance due to gaps between the housing and the shaft cover.

Innovation Solution

A support apparatus with a hinge assembly that includes a rotating shaft mechanism, a shaft cover, and a first flexible sealing member. The first flexible sealing member is compact, non-porous, soft, and deformable, fitting into and sealing the movement gap between the housing and the shaft cover.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a gap is present between the housing and shaft cover to ensure smooth rotation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the sealing performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesmooth rotationVSAvoidsealing performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a flexible sealing member (rubber or silicone material) that can deform elastically to fill the gap between the housing and shaft cover. The flexible material is compressed between these components, creating an effective seal while allowing relative movement and rotation to occur smoothly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing member is designed to be dynamic rather than rigid, allowing it to deform and adapt during the rotation process. The flexible sealing member can compress and expand as the housing rotates relative to the shaft cover, maintaining sealing effectiveness throughout the motion range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If a gap is present between the housing and shaft cover, then the ease of operation is improved, but the waterproof and dustproof performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotation freedomVSAvoidmoisture and dust ingress

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible sealing member acts as a barrier that blocks moisture and dust from entering through the gap between the housing and shaft cover. The elastic material conformally fills the interface, preventing harmful substances from penetrating while still permitting rotational movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible sealing member serves as an intermediary element positioned between the housing and shaft cover. It mediates the interaction between these two components, providing both sealing functionality and allowing relative motion without direct contact or interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a sealing member is added to fill the gap, then the sealing performance is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing performanceVSAvoidhinge assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible sealing member is integrated with the hinge assembly structure rather than being a separate, additional component. The sealing member is positioned and secured within the existing hinge assembly, combining the sealing function with the rotational mechanism without requiring a completely separate system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The use of a flexible sealing member provides an effective seal with minimal structural addition. The thin, flexible nature of the sealing material allows it to be incorporated into the existing hinge design with minimal increase in overall complexity while achieving the desired sealing performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 effectively prevents moisture and dust from entering the foldable electronic device while allowing smooth movement of the housing relative to the hinge assembly, thereby enhancing the device's sealing performance.

Implementation Method 1

the first flexible sealing member fits into and seals the first movement gap

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSealing:

Implementation Method 2

the flexible abutting rib abuts against the shaft cover... the flexible abutting rib abuts against the other one of the first housing and the shaft cover, which helps improve a sealing effect

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12282357B2Support apparatus and foldable electronic device

Publication Date: 2025.04.22 HONOR DEVICE CO LTD

AI summary

A support apparatus and a foldable electronic device are provided. The support apparatus includes a hinge assembly, a first housing, a second housing, and a first flexible sealing member. The hinge assembly includes a rotating shaft mechanism and a shaft cover, where the rotating shaft mechanism is fastened to the shaft cover. The first housing and the second housing are respectively located on two opposite sides of the hinge assembly, the first housing and the second housing are configured to rotate relative to the shaft cover through the rotating shaft mechanism, the first housing, the second housing, and the rotating shaft mechanism each have a support surface for supporting a foldable screen, and a first movement gap is present between the first housing and an outer surface of the shaft cover. The first flexible sealing member fits into and seals the first movement gap.