Foldable Hinge Mechanism With Arc-Sliding Swing Arm Assemblies

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing foldable terminal products face issues with insufficient overlap of swing arms in their rotation mechanism, leading to poor reliability during operation.

Innovation Solution

A hinge mechanism with alternating arc-shaped sliding portions and fit portions between which the swing arm assemblies and door panel assemblies slide, defining a distributed sliding trajectory to enhance overlap and connection strength, thereby improving reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If sliding grooves are used for rotation, then the structure is simple, but the overlap of swing arms is insufficient leading to poor reliability

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the rotation mechanism into multiple swing arm assemblies (first swing arm assembly and second swing arm assembly) that work together. Each swing arm assembly has its own sliding portions and fitting portions, creating a segmented structure that improves reliability through redundancy and distributed load bearing, while maintaining reasonable structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a nested structure where swing arm assemblies are positioned within the housing structure, with sliding portions fitting into corresponding fitting portions. The first and second swing arm assemblies are arranged in a nested configuration that maximizes space utilization while ensuring sufficient overlap for reliable operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Strength

If multiple arc-shaped sliding portions are used to define sliding trajectory, then the connection strength is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses arc-shaped sliding portions and arc-shaped fitting portions instead of straight lines or angular connections. The curved geometry provides smoother motion paths, distributes contact stresses more evenly, and enhances connection strength through continuous contact during rotation, while the standardized arc shapes facilitate manufacturing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple functions into the arc-shaped sliding portions: they define the sliding trajectory, provide structural connection, enable rotational movement, and distribute mechanical loads. This merging of functions reduces the need for separate components, thereby improving connection strength without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The mechanism reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while ensuring robust and reliable rotational movement, enhancing the connection strength between swing arm and door panel assemblies.

Implementation Method 1

the first arc-shaped sliding portion and the first arc-shaped sliding fit portion are in sliding fit, and the second arc-shaped sliding portion and the second arc-shaped sliding fit portion are in sliding fit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4661378A1Rotating shaft mechanism and electronic device
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 HONOR DEVICE CO LTD
  • EP4661378A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4661378A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4661378A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

This application provides a hinge mechanism and an electronic device. The hinge mechanism includes a base, at least two swing arm assemblies, and at least two door panel assemblies. The swing arm assemblies and the door panel assemblies are respectively arranged on two sides of the base. The swing arm assemblies are rotatably connected to the base. The at least two door panel assemblies are respectively arranged on two sides of the base. In the swing arm assembly and the door panel assembly located on a same side of the base, one of an end of the swing arm assembly connected to the door panel assembly and an end of the door panel assembly connected to the swing arm assembly is provided with a first arc-shaped sliding portion and a second arc-shaped sliding fit portion, and the other is provided with a first arc-shaped sliding fit portion and a second arc-shaped sliding portion, the first arc-shaped sliding portion is in sliding fit with the first arc-shaped sliding fit portion, and the second arc-shaped sliding portion is in sliding fit with the second arc-shaped sliding fit portion, so that the swing arm assembly is rotatably connected to the door panel assembly. The structural arrangement of the hinge mechanism in this embodiment of this application contributes to enhancing the reliability of the hinge.