Hidden Pivot Mechanism for Symmetrical Folding Handheld Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Folding mobile phones with pivot mechanisms often have an exposed and asymmetrical design, which is aesthetically undesirable and requires additional design efforts to conceal the pivot mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A handheld electronic device design featuring a pivot mechanism hidden within the bodies of the device, utilizing a system of connecting rods and grooves that allows the device to swing between open and folded states without exposing the pivot mechanism, maintaining symmetry and aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a pivot mechanism is used to connect the keypad module and display screen in a folding mobile phone, then the device can be folded to achieve compact size and larger display screen, but the pivot mechanism becomes exposed creating an asymmetrical and aesthetically undesirable appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot mechanism is nested within hollow cavities formed in both the keypad module and display screen module. The connecting rod of the pivot mechanism is received within these hollow cavities, concealing the mechanical components from external view while maintaining the folding functionality. This nesting approach allows the pivot mechanism to be hidden inside the device bodies, achieving a symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
Hollow cavities are introduced as intermediary structures within the keypad module and display screen module to accommodate and conceal the pivot mechanism. These cavities act as mediators that allow the mechanical pivot to function while being hidden from view, transforming the exposed asymmetric design into a concealed symmetric design.
2Shape
If additional packaging design and nice-look design are conducted to conceal the pivot mechanism, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The functional structure of the device is merged with the aesthetic requirement by integrating the pivot mechanism directly into the hollow cavities of the device bodies. This combination eliminates the need for separate packaging or cosmetic designs to conceal the pivot, as the mechanical structure itself provides the aesthetic solution. The hollow cavities serve both structural and aesthetic purposes simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot mechanism is nested within the hollow cavities that are part of the device's structural design. This nesting integrates the mechanical function with the aesthetic form, eliminating the need for additional manufacturing steps to conceal the pivot. The hollow cavities are formed as part of the device bodies themselves, combining structure and appearance in a single manufacturing process.
Data Source
AI summary
A handheld electronic device includes a first frame, a second frame and at least a pivot mechanism. A first connecting rod of the pivot mechanism has a first pivot part, a third pivot part and a second pivot part between them. The first pivot part is slidably disposed on a first groove of the first frame, and the third pivot part is pivoted at the second frame. A second connecting rod of the pivot mechanism has a fourth pivot part, a sixth pivot part and a fifth pivot part between them. The fifth pivot part is pivoted at the second pivot part, the fourth pivot part is slidably disposed on a second groove of the second frame, and the sixth pivot part is pivoted at the first frame for the first frame and the second frame to be opened and closed by the pivot mechanism.