Foldable Hinge Torque Structure for One-Handed Angle Holding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable electronic devices with larger displays face increased restoring torque and friction torque, making it difficult for users to fold or unfold them with one hand due to the increased size, which affects portability and usability.
Innovation Solution
A hinge structure with a torque structure that provides varying friction torque levels, allowing for easy unfolding from a fully folded state to a free stop section without increasing torque, enabling the device to maintain folded states at various angles with reduced rotational force required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the display size is increased, then the screen area is improved, but the friction torque increases making it difficult to operate with one hand
Solution Approach 1:
The torque structure is divided into multiple sections (first section, second section, third section) with different friction torque characteristics. The first section provides constant friction torque for easy operation during initial unfolding, the second section provides increased friction torque for maintaining folded states, and the third section provides maximum friction torque for stability. This segmentation allows the device to provide different torque levels at different folding stages, enabling one-handed operation despite large display size.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the friction torque is increased to maintain folded states, then the stability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The torque structure dynamically adjusts friction torque based on the folding angle. At smaller angles (first section), constant friction torque facilitates easy operation. At intermediate angles (second section), friction torque increases to maintain folded states. At larger angles (third section), maximum friction torque provides stability. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction torque parameter is changed across different sections of the torque structure. The first section maintains constant friction torque, the second section increases friction torque, and the third section provides maximum friction torque. This parameter variation allows the system to achieve both ease of operation and stability at different folding stages.
3Area of stationary object
If the restoring torque is increased due to larger display, then the stability is improved, but the force required to operate increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different sections of the torque structure provide different friction torque qualities tailored to specific folding stages. The first section provides constant friction torque for initial unfolding assistance, the second section provides increased friction torque for maintaining folded states, and the third section provides maximum friction torque for stability. This local differentiation reduces the overall force required for operation while maintaining stability.
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
Enables users to fold or unfold the device with relatively small rotational torque and maintain folded states at different angles, improving portability and usability by managing torque levels effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastic member configured to be compressed or uncompressed by at least one of the first cam structures
Implementation Method 2
The torque structure may be configured to provide a first friction torque in a fully folded state, provide a third friction torque greater than the first friction torque in a free stop section
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a first housing, a second housing, and a hinge structure connected to the first housing and the second housing such that the first housing rotates about a first axis of rotation parallel to a first axial direction and the second housing rotates about a second axis of rotation parallel to the first axial direction. The first housing and the second housing form an angle. The hinge structure includes a first arm shaft configured to operate based on rotation of the first housing, the first arm shaft being parallel to the first axial direction, a second arm shaft configured to operate based on rotation of the second housing, the second arm shaft being parallel to the first axial direction, and a torque structure.