Foldable Hinge Torque Switching for Stable Drawing and Easy Flipping
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 360-degree foldable electronic devices, the torque provided by the hinge module is constant, making it difficult for users to apply extra force for drawing and writing via touch control in certain modes, and increasing torque value complicates flipping in other modes.
Innovation Solution
A foldable electronic device design incorporating a first hinge module, a second hinge module, a driving sheet, and a one-way bearing, allowing additional torque in the drawing mode only when the first body rotates relative to the second body along a specific direction and angle, supported by the structural design of the second hinge module and the one-way bearing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the torque of the hinge module is increased to support drawing and writing forces, then the support force for touch control operations is improved, but the ease of flipping the device in other modes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge module torque is made dynamic rather than constant. The second hinge module is designed to provide additional torque only when the first body rotates along the first rotation direction to a specific angle, allowing the system to adapt torque output based on operational mode requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The torque parameter of the hinge module is changed conditionally. By using the one-way bearing and driving sheet mechanism, the torque value provided by the second hinge module changes from zero to active only when specific rotational conditions are met, optimizing performance for different usage scenarios
2Reliability
If the torque value is set high to support drawing and writing forces, then the reliability of touch control operations is improved, but the ease of operation in other modes worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge system transitions from a static torque configuration to a dynamic one where the second hinge module engages only under specific conditions. This ensures reliable torque support for drawing and writing while maintaining ease of operation for mode switching and flipping
Solution Approach 2:
The one-way bearing acts as an intermediary mechanism that selectively transmits torque from the second hinge module only when the driving sheet rotates to the first position, mediating between the constant torque source and the variable operational requirements
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 design supports hand drawing and writing via touch control while preventing difficulty in flipping the device in other modes by providing additional torque only when needed, enhancing user experience.
Implementation Method 1
The one-way bearing is rotatably disposed around the rotating shaft. The one-way bearing has a bearing stop portion corresponding to the driving sheet. When the first body is flipped relative to the second body, the driving sheet rotates to a first position along a first rotation direction and contacts the bearing stop portion, and drives the one-way bearing and the rotating shaft to rotate relative to the second body simultaneously
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable electronic device includes a first body, a second body, a first hinge module, a second hinge module, a driving sheet, and a one-way bearing. The first body has a display surface and a back surface. The first hinge module has a first shaft pivotally connected to the first body and a second shaft pivotally connected to the second body. The second shaft has a virtual axis. The second hinge module is disposed to the second body and has a rotating shaft. The rotating shaft is disposed corresponding to the virtual axis. The driving sheet is located between the first shaft and the second shaft, and is located between the first hinge module and the second hinge module. The one-way bearing is rotatably disposed around the rotating shaft. The one-way bearing has a bearing stop portion corresponding to the driving sheet.