Foldable Hinge Module With Sliding Arms for Large-Display Compactness
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of integrating increased display size with miniaturization in electronic devices is addressed by providing a hinge module that allows for a dual display configuration, enabling flexible rotation and folding of the device without compromising structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
The hinge module includes a hinge arm with slots for shaft structures and interlocking gears that facilitate the sliding and rotating motion of the device's housings, allowing for a dual display setup with symmetrical and asymmetrical configurations, and a hinge cover that secures the mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the display size is increased to allow users to fully utilize multimedia services, then the display area is improved, but the device size increases and becomes less convenient to carry
Solution Approach 1:
The display is divided into multiple segments (first display area and second display area) that can be folded relative to each other. When folded, the device occupies less space; when unfolded, the total display area is maximized. This segmentation allows the device to provide large display area while maintaining portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge module enables the second housing to be nested within or adjacent to the first housing in a folded state, similar to a nested doll structure. This allows the device to compact its overall volume while preserving the full display area when unfolded for use.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a dual display configuration is implemented to enable flexible rotation and folding, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge module serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a rotation axis for the second housing, provides structural support during folding, enables the dual display configuration, and maintains structural integrity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby managing complexity while achieving high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge module combines several functional elements into a single integrated structure that facilitates both rotation and folding movements. By merging these functions into one module rather than using separate mechanisms, the design achieves flexible adaptability while controlling overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a housing including a first housing and a second housing configured to rotate with respect to the first housing, a display including a first display area disposed on the first housing and a second display area disposed on the second housing, a hinge module connected to the first housing and the second housing, and a hinge cover surrounding at least a portion of the hinge module, wherein the hinge module includes a hinge arm including a first hinge arm connected to the first housing and includes a first slot, and a second hinge arm connected to the second housing and includes a second slot, a shaft structure connected to the hinge cover, the shaft structure including a first shaft structure having at least a portion located within the first slot and providing a first shaft and a second shaft structure having at least a portion located within the second slot and providing a second shaft, and an interlocking structure including a first interlocking member connected to the first housing and including a first gear, and a second interlocking member connected to the second housing and including a second gear configured to rotate based on the rotation of the first gear, wherein the first hinge arm is configured to slide and rotate with respect to the first shaft based on a folding angle of the electronic device, and wherein the second hinge arm is configured to slide and rotate with respect to the second shaft based on the folding angle of the electronic device.