Foldable Hinge Stopper Brackets Against Reverse Folding Damage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable portable electronic devices face challenges with reverse folding and damage to displays due to impacts, particularly when thin and large screens are used, leading to rigidity issues and potential damage from excessive pressure or impacts.
Innovation Solution
A portable electronic device with a hinge mechanism incorporating a pair of stopper brackets that limit the angle between frames to prevent excessive folding and impacts, using stopper hooks and bumps to maintain a stable 180-degree position, and eliminate gaps between frames to absorb forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If a foldable display is used to expand usable area, then the display area is increased, but the display becomes vulnerable to reverse folding and impact damage
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper brackets are pre-positioned on the hinge assembly to create preliminary resistance against reverse folding. When the device attempts to fold beyond 180 degrees, the stopper hooks engage with the stopper bumps before excessive force can be applied to the display, preventing damage through advance protective positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper brackets and hinge assembly are designed to absorb and cushion impact forces before they reach the display. The mechanical structure includes inherent compliance that allows the hinge to yield slightly under impact, converting kinetic energy into deformation energy in the hinge components rather than transmitting it to the fragile display.
2Length of moving object
If the device is made thinner to improve portability, then the form factor is improved, but rigidity and impact resistance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is segmented into multiple functional components: stopper brackets, stopper hooks, stopper bumps, and hinge arms. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while collectively providing the necessary rigidity and protection, enabling thin device design without sacrificing structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly combines materials with different mechanical properties to achieve both thinness and rigidity. The stopper brackets and hooks are designed with materials that provide high strength-to-weight ratio, while the overall assembly uses strategic material distribution to maximize rigidity where needed while minimizing thickness.
3Reliability
If stopper brackets are added to prevent reverse folding, then display protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper brackets are merged with the hinge assembly structure, sharing common mounting points and structural support. The stopper hooks and bumps are integrated into the existing hinge components rather than being separate add-on elements, reducing overall part count and assembly complexity while maintaining protective functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper brackets serve multiple functions: they prevent reverse folding, limit folding angle to 180 degrees, provide impact absorption, and maintain proper spacing between display panels. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each protective function, simplifying the overall device design.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable electronic device includes a first frame, a second frame, a flexible display fixed to the first frame and fixed to the second frame, a hinge connected between the first frame and the second frame, the hinge being configured to control an angle between the first frame and the second frame; and an angle limiter for limiting the angle between the first frame and the second frame. The angle limiter includes a first stopper bracket coupled to the first frame, and a second stopper bracket coupled to the second frame. The first stopper bracket is spaced apart from the second stopper bracket in a closed state of the portable electronic device, and comes into contact with the second stopper bracket in an open state of the portable electronic device.