Foldable Hinge Module With Synchronized Spring-Driven Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable electronic devices experience slow folding and unfolding speeds due to independent rotation of support members, which limits their operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A folding module with a transmission connection between support members, utilizing drive springs, rotating shafts, and a drive portion with sliding slots and protrusions to synchronize the rotation of support members, along with intermediate shafts and drive gears to enhance the folding/unfolding speed and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the first support member and the second support member rotate independently, then the folding mechanism allows independent rotation of each support member, but the folding/unfolding speed is relatively low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the rotation movements of the first and second support members by introducing a transmission connection through the drive portion. The first connection member and second connection member are both connected to the drive portion, which transmits and synchronizes their rotation movements, transforming independent rotations into coordinated simultaneous rotations to increase folding/unfolding speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive portion acts as an intermediary mechanism between the first and second support members. It receives rotational input from both connection members and coordinates their movements through the matching protrusion and sliding slot structures, enabling synchronized rotation without directly coupling the two support members.
2Productivity
If the first support member and the second support member rotate by a large angle independently, then complete folding/unfolding can be achieved, but the process takes more time and reduces operational efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the rotation movements of both support members through the transmission connection, the patent achieves complete folding/unfolding with smaller individual rotation angles. The synchronized movement allows the system to reach the folded or unfolded state faster, improving operational efficiency and reducing the time required for these operations.
3Speed
If the first connection member drives the second connection member to rotate simultaneously, then the folding/unfolding speed increases, but the transmission connection adds structural complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The drive portion serves as a compact intermediary structure that implements the transmission connection between the first and second connection members. Through the matching protrusion and sliding slot designs, it achieves synchronized rotation control with minimal additional components, balancing the increase in folding/unfolding speed against the added structural complexity.
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 solution significantly increases the speed of folding and unfolding operations by ensuring simultaneous rotation of support members, improving user experience and operational efficiency while maintaining the folded or unfolded state.
Implementation Method 1
A first drive spring is sleeved over the first rotating shaft. The first drive spring is configured to press against the drive portion toward the first connection member.
Implementation Method 2
A second drive spring is sleeved over the second rotating shaft. The second drive spring is configured to press against the drive portion toward the second connection member.
Implementation Method 3
The second connection member is in a transmission connection (e.g., so that the first connection member drives the second connection member to rotate when the first connection member rotates) to the first connection member.
Implementation Method 4
A first sliding slot and a first protrusion that match each other are provided between the drive portion and the first connection member.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to a folding module and a foldable electronic device. A first protrusion and a first sliding slot are provided between a drive portion and a first connection member. A second protrusion and a second sliding slot are provided between the drive portion and a second connection member. A first drive spring and a second drive spring press against the drive portion. In a process in which the first support member folds or unfolds relative to the second support member, folding or unfolding can be implemented provided that the first support member and the second support member rotate by a relatively small angle, so that a speed of folding or unfolding of the first support member relative to the second support member is increased.