Foldable Hinge Assembly With Stopper for Accurate Rest Angle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable electronic devices face issues with accurately fastening folding and unfolding positions, assembly tolerance, dimensional deviations, and deformation-related defects, leading to poorly unfolded or excessively closed states.
Innovation Solution
A hinge assembly with a stopper mechanism that includes rotating brackets, gear shafts, and idle gear shafts, where stoppers are designed to limit movement and prevent excessive rotation, allowing for precise positioning and simplifying assembly by verifying defects before completion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a hinge assembly is used to enable folding and unfolding, then the device can transform into various shapes and provide a large screen when in use, but the folding and unfolding positions cannot be accurately fastened, leading to poorly unfolded or excessively closed states
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper mechanism is designed to preemptively prevent excessive folding or unfolding by physically blocking the hinge assembly before the display can reach a poorly unfolded or excessively closed state. The stopper engages with the hinge structure at predetermined limits, creating a mechanical barrier that stops the folding/unfolding motion at the correct positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper acts as an intermediary component between the hinge assembly and the display, mediating the folding and unfolding motion. It translates the continuous rotational movement of the hinge into discrete, controlled positions by introducing a mechanical intervention point that regulates the range of motion.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple parts are assembled to create the hinge assembly, then the device can achieve complex folding functionality, but assembly tolerance and dimensional deviations occur, causing folding and unfolding defects
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper mechanism serves as a self-regulating component that automatically compensates for assembly tolerances and dimensional deviations. By providing a mechanical stop that engages at a predetermined position, the system self-corrects for variations in manufacturing accuracy without requiring additional adjustment mechanisms or tighter tolerances on other components.
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper introduces a discrete positional parameter that overrides continuous variation caused by assembly tolerances. By defining specific stop positions rather than relying on precise continuous positioning, the system transforms the problem from one requiring high manufacturing precision to one that accommodates tolerance through discrete state definition.
3Ease of operation
If the hinge assembly allows free movement for folding and unfolding, then the device can be easily operated, but deformation during use causes folding and unfolding defects
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper mechanism preemptively counteracts deformation forces by establishing mechanical limits before excessive folding or unfolding can occur. By blocking the hinge assembly at predetermined positions, the stopper prevents the display from entering states that would cause structural deformation, thereby maintaining stability while allowing normal operation within safe limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper provides beforehand protection against deformation by creating a mechanical barrier that prevents the hinge assembly from reaching positions that would cause structural damage. This protective mechanism is in place before any deformation can occur, cushioning the system against potential harm from excessive folding or unfolding.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an electronic device including a hinge assembly. The electronic device may include: a display including a first area and a second area; a first housing positioned in the first area; a second housing positioned in the second area; a hinge assembly including a hinge foldably connecting the first housing and the second housing based on a folding axis, and configured to operate between a folding position at which the first area and the second area face each other and an unfolding position at which the first area and the second area form a substantially same plane; and a stopper configured to connect to the hinge assembly and to limit a movement of the first housing and the second housing based on the first housing and the second housing being at a rest angle. The stopper may include a first stopper positioned in the first housing; and a second stopper positioned in the second housing, and the first stopper and the second stopper may contact each other at the rest angle and the movement of the first housing and the second housing may be limited.