Foldable Hinge Arm Cam Structure for Stable Detent Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable electronic devices face challenges in maintaining a stable folding operation and folded state due to the weakness in display rigidity, which can lead to defects such as incomplete folding.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an arm structure and a hinge structure that provide a specified detent load, utilizing a combination of cam structures, rotating shafts, and elastic bodies to maintain stability without increasing the device's thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the display thickness is increased to improve rigidity and prevent stabbing, then the display strength is improved, but the repulsive force in the folded state increases which leads to defects in the folding operation
Solution Approach 1:
A hinge structure is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the display and housing to manage the repulsive force. The hinge includes elastic bodies and cam structures that convert the repulsive force into controlled detent loads, allowing the display to maintain necessary rigidity while preventing folding operation defects through proper force management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the hinge structure, specifically using elastic bodies with optimized elasticity and cam structures with specific geometric profiles. These parameter changes allow the system to provide appropriate detent load without requiring increased display thickness, thus maintaining both display strength and folding reliability.
2Strength
If the display thickness is increased to provide rigidity, then the repulsive force increases, but the device thickness increases which is not desirable
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge structure serves as a mediator that provides the necessary mechanical support and force management without requiring increased display thickness. The elastic bodies and cam structures in the hinge provide the required rigidity and detent load while keeping the overall device thickness within acceptable limits.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing thickness in the z-direction to improve rigidity, the patent introduces a hinge mechanism that operates in the rotational dimension. This allows the system to achieve the desired mechanical properties through a different dimensional approach, avoiding direct thickness increase.
3Device complexity
If a simple hinge structure is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the detent load is insufficient to maintain stable folding operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional elements into an integrated hinge structure: elastic bodies for force generation, cam structures for motion control and detent provision, and rotating shafts for rotational movement. This merging of functions achieves reliable folding state stability without requiring separate complex systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge structure is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides: (1) elastic force through elastic bodies, (2) detent load through cam-holes interaction, (3) rotational movement through shafts, and (4) structural support. This multi-functionality achieves folding stability without proportionally increasing device 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
This solution ensures a stable folding operation and folded state of foldable electronic devices by providing a consistent detent load, preventing defects and maintaining device integrity without thickness increase.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastic body connected to the first rotating shaft to provide an elastic force to the first cam, a second elastic body connected to the second rotating shaft to provide an elastic force to the second cam
Data Source
AI summary
An arm structure of an electronic device is provided. The arm structure includes an arm body, a first cam disposed on one side of the arm body and including a first hole into which at least a portion of a rotating shaft providing a folding operation of the electronic device is inserted, a peak and a valley being formed around the first hole, a second cam arranged side-by-side on a same axis as the one side of the arm body, spaced apart from the first cam, and including a second hole into which at least a portion of the rotating shaft is inserted, a peak and a valley being formed around the second hole, and a connecting part disposed on another side of the arm body and fastened with a rotating part providing rotation of the electronic device.