Foldable Device Latching Mechanism for Angle Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable electronic devices with movable screens require strong magnets for angle fixation, leading to space inefficiencies and user inconvenience due to the strong magnetic attraction, making it difficult to release the fixed position.
Innovation Solution
A foldable electronic device with a latching mechanism using a coaxially pivoted first and second shaft member, where a movable latching member interacts with a recess and locking hole to allow relative pivoting of the first and second bodies, enabling easy rotation and angle adjustment without the need for strong magnets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If strong magnets are used to fix the screen angle, then the screen can be positioned at specific angles, but the device requires more space for magnets and users need to spend great effort to release the fixed state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the magnetic field-based positioning system with a mechanical latching system. The latching member engages with positioning holes on the support to fix the screen at specific angles, eliminating the need for strong magnets. This mechanical approach provides stable angle fixation while allowing easy release by simply disengaging the latching member, resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching member acts as an intermediary between the screen and the support structure. Instead of using direct magnetic attraction between the screen and support, the latching member mediates the connection by engaging with positioning holes, providing stable fixation that can be easily released by removing the intermediary latching member.
2Stability of the object's composition
If strong magnets are disposed on screens or supports, then angle positioning is achieved, but space must be freed for magnets increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the magnetic positioning system with a mechanical latching and positioning hole system. The latching member engages with positioning holes formed on the support, achieving angle positioning without requiring space-consuming magnets on the screen or support bodies, thereby reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using magnetic fields (a field-based approach requiring space), the patent transitions to a mechanical contact-based system using positioning holes and a latching member. This dimensional shift from field interaction to mechanical contact eliminates the need for magnet accommodation space while maintaining angle positioning functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable electronic device, including a first body having a first shaft member, at least one second body having a second shaft member, and a latching member, is provided. The first shaft member and the second shaft member are coaxially pivoted together. The first shaft member has a recess. The second shaft member has a locking hole. The latching member is movably disposed in the recess and the locking hole, so that when the latching member leaves the locking hole, the first body and the second body are relatively pivoted through the first shaft member and the second shaft member, or when the latching member moves into the locking hole, the latching member interferes with the first shaft member and the second shaft member to block the first body and the second body from relatively pivoting.