Foldable Terminal Synchronization Mechanism for Thin Hinge Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing synchronization mechanisms for foldable terminals, which rely on gears for synchronous rotation, result in an excessively large thickness, hindering the light and thin design due to the large radial size of the gears.
Innovation Solution
A synchronization mechanism utilizing a worm, a worm gear, and a second worm as a transmission mechanism between rotating components, where the axial direction of the worm gear and the radial direction of the worms align with the thickness direction, allowing for synchronous rotation while minimizing the thickness of the terminal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gears are used as the transmission mechanism for synchronous rotation, then the synchronous rotation function is achieved, but the radial size and thickness of the body become excessively large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional gear transmission mechanism with a worm and worm gear transmission mechanism. This substitution changes the fundamental mechanical principle from gear meshing to worm engagement, allowing the transmission mechanism to be arranged in the thickness direction rather than the radial direction, thereby reducing the body thickness while maintaining synchronous rotation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent reorients the transmission mechanism from a radial arrangement (in the plane of the body) to an axial arrangement (in the thickness direction). By placing the worm and worm gear along the thickness direction, the mechanism utilizes the Z-axis dimension more effectively, reducing the radial footprint and allowing for a thinner body design while achieving the same synchronous rotation effect.
2Reliability
If gears with large radial sizes are mounted on the base, then the synchronous rotation is achieved, but the light and thin design of the foldable terminal is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission mechanism is reoriented from radial arrangement to axial arrangement along the thickness direction. This dimensional change allows the worm and worm gear to be positioned vertically rather than horizontally, significantly reducing the radial size and overall weight of the transmission system, thereby enabling a lighter and thinner foldable terminal design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial parameters of the transmission mechanism by switching from a radial configuration to an axial configuration. This parameter change reduces the occupied volume in the radial direction and minimizes the overall mass of the transmission components, directly contributing to weight reduction while preserving the synchronous rotation function.
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
This solution enables synchronous rotation of the terminal components while maintaining a slim profile, enhancing the light and thin design of foldable devices by reducing the overall thickness and improving the handfeel experience with controlled spiral angles to prevent self-locking.
Implementation Method 1
The synchronization mechanism adopts a first worm, a worm gear, and a second worm as a transmission mechanism between a first rotating component and a second rotating component
Data Source
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AI summary
This application discloses a synchronization mechanism and a foldable terminal, and belongs to the field of electronic device technologies. In the synchronization mechanism provided in this application, a first rotating component and a second rotating component are in transmission connection by using a first worm, a worm gear, and a second worm that are sequentially meshed. When the first rotating component rotates, the first rotating component drives the first worm to rotate, the first worm drives the worm gear to rotate, the worm gear drives the second worm to rotate, and the second worm drives the second rotating component to rotate, thereby implementing the synchronous rotation of the first rotating component and the second rotating component relative to a base. In addition, when the synchronization mechanism is applied to the foldable terminal, since an axial direction of the worm gear and a radial direction of the first worm and the second worm are consistent with a thickness direction of the body, and an axial size of the worm gear and radial sizes of the first worm and the second worm are relatively small, the first worm, the worm gear, and the second worm do not lead to an excessively large thickness of the body, which is conducive to the light and thin design of the foldable terminal.