Foldable Hinge Sweeper Structure for Concealing Exposed Hinges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable electronic devices face challenges in minimizing the visibility of hinges when in a folded state, which can compromise aesthetics and functionality.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a sweeper mechanism in the housings that overlaps with the hinge assembly minimally, ensuring a lower surface height in overlapping areas, and is seated on seating portions parallel to the folding axis, thus hiding the hinge assembly effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the hinge assembly is exposed in the folded state, then the mechanical function is simple and easy to manufacture, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to visible hinges
Solution Approach 1:
A sweeper component is introduced as an intermediary element between the hinge assembly and the external environment. The sweeper has a first surface that contacts the hinge housing and a second surface that faces outward, effectively mediating the visual appearance by covering the hinge assembly while allowing the hinge to function normally underneath.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a two-dimensional view of the hinge assembly to a three-dimensional configuration by adding the sweeper component with varying thickness. The sweeper is thicker in portions overlapping the hinge assembly and thinner in portions not overlapping, creating a dimensional solution that hides the hinge while maintaining structural integrity.
2Shape
If the sweeper completely covers the hinge assembly, then the aesthetic appearance improves, but the mechanical operation deteriorates due to potential interference
Solution Approach 1:
The sweeper is designed with non-uniform local properties: the thickness varies depending on the location relative to the hinge assembly. Portions of the sweeper overlapping the hinge assembly have greater thickness to provide coverage, while portions not overlapping have reduced thickness to minimize interference with the folding operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sweeper provides partial coverage of the hinge assembly rather than complete encapsulation. This partial action approach ensures sufficient aesthetic concealment while avoiding excessive material that would interfere with the mechanical folding operation, maintaining reliability.
3Ease of manufacture
If the sweeper thickness is uniform, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the functional performance deteriorates due to interference with hinge operation
Solution Approach 1:
The sweeper exhibits local quality variation in its thickness profile. The thickness is optimized at different locations: thicker regions provide coverage where needed, while thinner regions reduce interference with hinge movement. This localized differentiation resolves the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and functional reliability.
4Shape
If the sweeper surface height is increased to fully cover the hinge, then the concealment effect improves, but the device dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sweeper provides just sufficient coverage to achieve the desired concealment effect without excessive thickness. By applying partial coverage strategically where the hinge assembly is visible, the design achieves effective hiding while minimizing the increase in overall device dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution addresses the concealment problem by varying thickness in the vertical dimension rather than uniformly increasing all dimensions. This dimensional approach allows selective coverage that achieves hiding effectiveness while controlling the overall device footprint and thickness.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device according to an embodiment may include a display including a first area and a second area, a pair of housings including a first housing supporting the first area and a second housing supporting the second area, a hinge connecting the first housing and the second housing to be foldable about a folding axis, a hinge housing in which at least a portion of the hinge assembly is accommodated, and a sweeper arranged in each of the first housing and the second housing in a direction parallel to the folding axis, so that the first area and the second area contact the hinge housing based on the folded state of facing each other. The sweeper may not contact the hinge assembly.