Foldable Hinge Assembly With Trajectory Locking and Synchronized Sliders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable electronic devices face challenges in maintaining stable hinge mechanisms that limit unnecessary movement and allow user-defined states, which affects the durability and usability of the devices.
Innovation Solution
A hinge mechanism comprising a trajectory limiting mechanism, synchronization mechanism, and locking mechanism, where the first and second sliders are controlled by a first and second hinge bracket to limit rotation trajectories and maintain a relative positional relationship, ensuring the device can be locked in desired states, reducing component count and enhancing user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional hinge mechanism is used without trajectory limiting, then the structure is simpler, but the hinge allows unnecessary movement that reduces stability and durability
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge is divided into multiple functional modules: trajectory limiting mechanism (first and second sliders with guiding grooves), synchronization mechanism (gears and gear racks), and locking mechanism (locking blocks and elastic components). Each module performs a specific function, allowing the complex system to be managed through modular design while achieving reliable trajectory control and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second hinge brackets act as intermediary components that guide and limit the rotation trajectories of the sliders. The brackets contain guiding grooves that constrain slider movement paths, serving as mediators between the sliding motion and the desired rotational trajectory, thereby achieving stable angle control without requiring complex direct coupling mechanisms.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple components are used to control slider movement, then the positioning precision is improved, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The trajectory limiting and synchronization functions are merged into an integrated mechanism where the first and second sliders work together with the hinge brackets. The guiding grooves in the brackets simultaneously limit trajectories and guide synchronization, reducing the need for separate limiting components while maintaining positioning precision through the coordinated motion of coupled sliders.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge brackets serve multiple functions: they act as structural supports, contain guiding grooves for trajectory limiting, and provide mounting positions for the locking mechanism. The first and second sliders both transmit motion and maintain relative positional relationships, demonstrating multi-functionality that reduces overall component count while achieving precise positioning control.
3Ease of operation
If the hinge mechanism allows free movement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the screen becomes vulnerable to damage from unnecessary movement
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism transitions between different dynamic states: during normal operation, the sliders move freely along the guiding grooves allowing smooth folding; during locking states, the locking blocks engage with the elastic components to prevent movement, protecting the screen. This dynamic switching between free movement and constrained states resolves the contradiction between operational ease and screen protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to preemptively prevent excessive or unintended movement before it can damage the screen. The elastic components continuously apply preliminary counter-forces that engage with the locking blocks when abnormal movement is detected, creating a protective barrier against screen damage while maintaining smooth operation during intended folding actions.
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge includes: a trajectory limiting mechanism, including a first slider and a second slider; a first hinge bracket, for cooperating with the first slider and the second slider, the first hinge bracket being configured to limit rotation trajectories of the first slider and the second slider; a synchronization mechanism, cooperating with the trajectory limiting mechanism, for driving the first slider and the second slider into rotation relative to the first hinge bracket in a preset direction respectively; and a locking mechanism, cooperating with the synchronization mechanism, the locking mechanism having a locked state in which the locking mechanism is configured to prevent movement of the synchronization mechanism to maintain a relative positional relationship between the first slider and the second slider.