Foldable Hinge Stopper Structure for Over-Unfolding Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Foldable electronic devices with multi-hinge systems face damage due to excessive unfolding beyond 180 degrees, particularly due to the space or step formed between housings connected by hinges of different widths, leading to mechanical stress and potential damage.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a stopper or accessory within the space formed between housings when the device is unfolded, utilizing a second hinge with a wider width than the first hinge, which includes a fastener receiving portion for accessories, to prevent excessive unfolding by physically blocking further rotation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a multi-hinge system with different width hinges is used to enable folding configurations, then the device can achieve compact folded states and various form factors, but a space or step is formed between housings when unfolded, leading to excessive rotation beyond 180 degrees and potential damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefolding configuration capabilityVSAvoidrisk of mechanical damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A stopper component is introduced as an intermediary element between the second housing and third housing. The stopper fits into a receiving portion formed in the second hinge, physically blocking the rotation path and preventing excessive unfolding beyond 180 degrees, thereby eliminating the harmful space between housings while maintaining the multi-hinge folding capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The stopper structure is designed to preemptively counteract the potential harmful motion of excessive rotation. By positioning the stopper in the receiving portion before any damaging force can be applied, the system prevents the harmful effect of over-rotation before it occurs, protecting the hinges and housings from mechanical damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

2Shape

If the second hinge is made wider than the first hinge to accommodate the multi-hinge folding mechanism, then the device can achieve proper folding geometry, but a space is created between housings that allows excessive rotation beyond 180 degrees

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehinge width configurationVSAvoidrotation control

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The stopper acts as a mediator that fills the space created by the wider second hinge. It provides a physical barrier that guides and limits the rotation motion, ensuring that the housings can be properly positioned at 180 degrees or less while preventing any further rotation that would cause damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250142748A1Accessory fastening structure and stopper structure provided in hinge part of foldable electronic device

Publication Date: 2025.05.01 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include: a first housing, a second housing disposed on one side of the first housing and rotatably connected to the first housing, a third housing disposed on one side of the second housing and rotatably connected to the second housing, a first hinge provided between the first housing and the second housing and having a first width, and a second hinge provided between the second housing and the third housing and having a second width greater than the first width. The second hinge may include a fastener receiving portion configured to receive a fastener of an accessory configured to be fastened thereto.