Foldable Hinge Shaft Cover Mechanism for Dust and Water Blocking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing rotating shaft mechanisms in foldable terminal devices fail to adequately cover the internal space when in the folded state, leading to exposure and potential entry of external contaminants like water and dust, which affects the normal operation of internal components.
Innovation Solution
A rotating shaft mechanism with a shaft cover that moves towards the base during folding, driven by a connection assembly, ensuring it covers the gap between sub-bodies and preventing contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the shaft cover is designed to shield the internal structure in the related art, then the appearance of the joint is beautified, but a big gap exists between the shaft cover and sub-bodies in the folded state, causing internal components to be exposed and vulnerable to water and dust
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft cover is designed to dynamically change its position relative to the sub-bodies. In the folded state, the shaft cover moves to cover the gap between sub-bodies, while in the unfolded state, it returns to its original position. This dynamic adjustment allows the same structure to provide both protection in folded state and maintain appearance in unfolded state, resolving the contradiction between protection and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft cover utilizes the existing rotational movement of the swing arm to automatically adjust its position. The connection assembly between the swing arm and shaft cover converts the rotational motion into linear movement of the shaft cover, eliminating the need for separate actuation mechanisms. The system serves itself by using the folding/unfolding action to simultaneously achieve both protection and aesthetic functions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the shaft cover remains stationary relative to the sub-bodies, then the structure is simple, but the gap between shaft cover and sub-bodies allows contaminants to enter
Solution Approach 1:
The connection assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the swing arm and the shaft cover. It translates the rotational movement of the swing arm into linear movement of the shaft cover, enabling the shaft cover to follow the sub-bodies during folding/unfolding while maintaining proper positioning. This intermediary mechanism ensures smooth operation without adding significant complexity.
3Reliability
If the shaft cover extends into the gap to cover internal components, then protection is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connection assembly is designed as a segmented mechanism with distinct functional elements: the first connection component attached to the swing arm, the second connection component attached to the shaft cover, and the connection element linking them. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design while achieving the desired protective effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection assembly utilizes dimensional transformation by converting rotational movement in one dimension (swing arm rotation) into linear movement in another dimension (shaft cover displacement). This dimensional change allows the shaft cover to extend into the gap for protection while using the existing rotational degree of freedom, avoiding the need for additional actuators or complex mechanisms.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Embodiments of this application relate to the technical field of terminal devices, and provide a rotating shaft mechanism and a terminal device, which can resolve a problem in the related art that a shaft cover of a terminal device in a foldable terminal device cannot desirably cover an internal space of the terminal device. The rotating shaft mechanism includes a base, a swing arm, a connection assembly, and a shaft cover. The shaft cover is provided with an accommodating space, at least part of the base is arranged in the accommodating space, and the swing arm is rotatably connected to the base, so that the swing arm is rotatable between an unfolded position and a folded position relative to the base. The connection assembly is connected between the swing arm and the shaft cover, and the swing arm may drive the shaft cover to move toward the base through the connection assembly during rotation of the swing arm from the unfolded position to the folded position. This application may be applied to a terminal device such as a mobile phone.