Foldable Module With Convex-Concave Drive for Accurate Hinge Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable electronic devices face insufficient transmission accuracy due to gaps between drive surfaces on rotating shafts and drive rings, affecting the precision of folding and unfolding mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A foldable module design featuring a first connection part, a first pin, a first drive ring, and a first spring, where a first pin hole is disposed on the connection part, and a convex and concave part are positioned between the drive ring and connection part, allowing direct movement of the convex part relative to the concave part for improved transmission accuracy, along with a second connection part and pin for synchronized rotation, enhancing folding and unfolding speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a first drive surface on a rotating shaft and a second drive surface on a first drive ring are used to drive the first drive ring to rotate, then the foldable module can achieve automatic folding and unfolding, but transmission accuracy is insufficient due to the gap between the drive surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the gap between drive surfaces by replacing the traditional rotating shaft with a convex-concave engagement mechanism. The convex part on the connection part directly engages with the concave part on the drive ring, removing the clearance that exists in conventional drive surface arrangements and thereby improving transmission accuracy without significantly increasing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using flat drive surfaces that inherently have gaps, the patent inverts the approach by using protruding convex parts that fit into recessed concave parts. This inversion of the drive mechanism geometry eliminates the gap problem and achieves precise transmission through direct mechanical engagement.
2Manufacturing precision
If a convex part and concave part mechanism is used to improve transmission accuracy, then the first connection part can directly drive the first convex part and first concave part to move relative to each other, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the drive function and the damping function into a single convex-concave engagement mechanism. The convex part on the connection part not only transmits motion accurately but also works with the spring to provide damping force during folding and unfolding, thereby improving transmission accuracy while avoiding significant increases in structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The convex-concave mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides precise transmission by eliminating gaps, enables direct driving of the drive ring, and works with the spring to provide damping force. This multi-functionality allows the structure to achieve high transmission accuracy without requiring separate components for each function, thus limiting the increase in structural complexity.
3Reliability
If a first spring is added to abut against the first drive ring or first connection part to provide damping force, then the folding and unfolding process can be controlled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring is nested within the existing convex-concave engagement structure, fitting into the space created by the convex part on the connection part and the concave part on the drive ring. This nesting approach allows the spring to provide damping force without requiring additional external components or significantly increasing the overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring automatically provides damping force during the folding and unfolding process by compressing and expanding in response to the relative motion between the connection part and drive ring. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external control systems or additional actuators, thereby improving reliability while limiting the increase in structural complexity.
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 improves transmission accuracy and reduces the time required for folding and unfolding, facilitating faster operation and user experience by eliminating the need for precise alignment during assembly, while maintaining structural simplicity and reducing maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring (40) passes through the first pin hole (204), the first spring (40) abuts against the first drive ring (30) or the first connection part (20)
Implementation Method 2
the first convex part (202) slides out of the first concave part (301), to provide damping force for unfolding or folding
Data Source
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AI summary
A foldable module (1) is provided, including a first connection part (20), a first pin (10), a first drive ring (30), and a first spring (40). A first pin hole is disposed on the first connection part (20), and the first pin (10) passes through the first drive ring (30), the first pin hole, and the first spring (40). A first convex part (202) and a first concave part (301) are disposed between the first drive ring (30) and the first connection part (20), and the first convex part (202) is located between the first spring (40) and the first concave part (301), or the first concave part (301) is located between the first spring (40) and the first convex part (202). When the first connection part (20) rotates, the first convex part (202) slides out of the first concave part (301). In a folding or unfolding process, the first convex part (202) slides out of the first concave part (301), to provide damping force for unfolding or folding. Compared with a manner in which a first drive surface on a rotating shaft cooperates with a second drive surface on the first drive ring to drive the first drive ring to rotate, the first connection part (20) may directly drive the first convex part (202) and the first concave part (301) to move relative to each other, so that transmission accuracy is improved. A foldable electronic device including the foldable module (1) is further provided.