Foldable Screen Assembly with Magnetic Rail Angle Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing foldable electronic devices require manual adjustment of display screen angles using hinges or magnetic connectors, which are inefficient and occupy valuable internal space.

Innovation Solution

A screen assembly utilizing magnetic assemblies and driving apparatuses to automatically adjust the folding angle between two screens through opposing magnetic forces and slide rails, allowing for seamless integration and space-saving design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If manual hinge mechanisms are used for screen folding, then structural simplicity is maintained, but automation and efficiency are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic screen angle adjustmentVSAvoidsupport structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical hinge structures with electromagnetic driving apparatuses that use electromagnetic fields to achieve screen folding and angle adjustment. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical linkages while enabling automated control, directly resolving the contradiction between automation and structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic assemblies automatically attract or repel each other based on electrical signals to adjust screen angles without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by using electromagnetic forces to perform the adjustment function that would otherwise require mechanical operation or human input

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Volume of moving object

If traditional magnetic connectors are used, then connection function is achieved, but internal space is occupied

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinternal space utilizationVSAvoidscreen angle adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the magnetic connection function into separate magnetic assemblies positioned at different locations (first magnetic assembly on first screen, second magnetic assembly on second screen). These segmented magnetic components work together through electromagnetic interaction to achieve angle adjustment without requiring a single bulky connector, thus saving internal space while maintaining operational ease

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from traditional mechanical connection in three-dimensional space to electromagnetic field interaction that operates across spatial separation. The magnetic assemblies interact through magnetic fields rather than direct physical contact, enabling compact design while preserving the full range of motion and adjustment capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Enables automatic and efficient adjustment of screen angles without manual intervention, optimizing space utilization and enhancing user experience.

Implementation Method 1

A screen assembly utilizes magnetic assemblies and driving apparatuses to automatically adjust the folding angle between two screens through opposing magnetic forces

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP4161038B1Screen assembly and electronic apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.10.08 VIVO MOBILE COMM CO LTD
  • EP4161038B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The present application relates to the technical field of electronic apparatuses, and discloses a screen assembly and an electronic apparatus. The screen assembly comprises: a first screen and a second screen; a first slide rail and a second slide rail; a first magnetic component and a second magnetic component having opposite polarities, wherein the first magnetic component abuts the first slide rail, and the second magnetic component abuts the second slide rail; and a first drive device and a second drive device, wherein the first drive device drives the first magnetic component to rotate along the first slide rail, and the second drive device drives the second magnetic component to rotate along the second slide rail, such that the folding angle between the first screen and the second screen changes from a first angle to a second angle.