Foldable Hinge Module With Virtual Shaft Line
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable electronic devices face challenges with the hinge module, which affects the thickness, aesthetics, and increases the gap between bodies, leading to higher part counts and costs.
Innovation Solution
A foldable electronic device design featuring a hinge module with a first bracket, second bracket, and third bracket, utilizing a virtual shaft line between inclined surfaces of the first and second bodies, allowing for two-stage rotation to reduce volume and part count, and maintain a consistent gap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a traditional hinge module is used to pivot two bodies, then the folding function is achieved, but the gap between bodies becomes excessive and appearance is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge module is divided into three separate brackets (first bracket, second bracket, third bracket) that can rotate relative to each other. This segmentation allows each bracket to be positioned independently to maintain consistent gaps between bodies during folding operations, while reducing the overall structural complexity compared to a monolithic hinge design.
Solution Approach 2:
The third bracket acts as an intermediary element between the first and second brackets. It mediates the rotation between the two bodies by providing an intermediate rotation axis, which helps maintain consistent gaps between bodies while simplifying the overall hinge structure through a distributed rotation mechanism.
2Ease of manufacture
If the hinge module structure is simplified to reduce part count and cost, then manufacturing cost decreases, but the accommodating area and thickness may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge module utilizes a three-dimensional arrangement where the third bracket extends in a direction different from the primary rotation plane. This dimensional arrangement allows the rotation mechanism to be distributed in space, reducing the accommodating area required within the first body while maintaining the simplified three-bracket structure that lowers part count and manufacturing cost.
3Volume of moving object
If the hinge module volume is reduced to decrease overall device thickness, then compactness improves, but the rotation mechanism becomes more constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation mechanism is segmented into multiple rotation joints between three brackets, allowing the total rotation range to be distributed across multiple smaller rotation angles. This enables the hinge module to achieve full adaptability while maintaining a compact volume, as each individual bracket rotation can be smaller than a single large rotation would require.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge module employs dynamic rotation where the third bracket can rotate relative to both the first and second brackets during the folding operation. This dynamic multi-stage rotation allows the mechanism to adapt to different folding angles while maintaining a constrained volume, as the rotation is distributed and can be adjusted during motion rather than requiring a fixed large-volume mechanism.
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 enhances the appearance and texture by maintaining a consistent gap between bodies, reduces the overall thickness, and simplifies the hinge module, thereby lowering costs and part counts.
Implementation Method 1
The first bracket is connected to the first end through a first torsion assembly. The second bracket is connected to the second end through a second torsion assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable electronic device includes a first body having an end and a first inclined surface, a second body having a second inclined surface, and a hinge module. The end includes an accommodating area. A virtual shaft line exists between sides of the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface that are closest to each other. The second body rotates relative to the first body through the virtual shaft line. The hinge module includes a first bracket adjacent to the first inclined surface, connected to the first body, and located in the accommodating area, a second bracket adjacent to the second inclined surface and connected to the second body, and a third bracket including a first end and a second end. The first bracket is connected to the first end through a first torsion assembly. The second bracket is connected to the second end through a second torsion assembly.