Hinge Assembly Structure for Thinner Foldable Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing hinge assemblies in foldable electronic devices, such as notebook computers, have a complex structure and large volume, which hinders thinning and lightening of the device.
Innovation Solution
A hinge assembly with a simplified design comprising a base, rotating base, and fastening base, utilizing a rotating shaft and shaft hole in interference fit, along with a damping force mechanism, to reduce the overall component count and volume, and facilitate easier assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a traditional hinge assembly structure is used, then the rotational connection function is achieved, but the overall volume and component quantity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional components into an integrated hinge assembly structure where the base, rotating base, and fastening base work together as a unified system. The rotating shaft integrates rotational connection and positioning functions, reducing the need for separate components and thereby reducing overall volume while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly employs a nested structure where the rotating shaft is inserted through the rotating base and secured by the fastening base. The shaft hole in the fastening base contains the rotating shaft, creating a compact nested arrangement that minimizes volume while achieving the desired rotational connection between components.
2Volume of moving object
If a simplified hinge assembly is used, then the volume is reduced, but the assembly precision and stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating shaft and shaft hole are designed with interference fit, allowing the components to self-align and self-position during assembly. The friction force generated by the interference fit automatically provides positioning and stabilization, eliminating the need for additional precision-machined alignment features and reducing overall complexity while maintaining assembly precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes interference fit parameters between the rotating shaft and shaft hole to achieve precise positioning. By carefully controlling the dimensional parameters and tolerance ranges of the shaft and shaft hole, the assembly achieves high precision without requiring complex assembly mechanisms or additional positioning components.
3Manufacturing precision
If interference fit is used between rotating shaft and shaft hole, then assembly precision is improved, but manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interference fit is achieved by controlling the dimensional parameters of the rotating shaft and shaft hole within specific tolerance ranges. By optimizing the parameter values and tolerance specifications, the design achieves precise assembly while keeping manufacturing complexity manageable through standard machining capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex aspect of interference fit manufacturing is extracted and consolidated into the design phase through precise CAD modeling and tolerance specification. This allows the manufacturing process to follow standardized procedures while the precision requirements are built into the design parameters, separating the complexity of precision specification from the complexity of manufacturing execution.
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 simplified hinge assembly reduces the overall volume and weight of the electronic device, enhances assembly precision, and improves user experience by providing a damping force for stable positioning.
Implementation Method 1
the rotating shaft and the shaft hole rotate relatively to each other, a friction force generated when the rotating shaft and the shaft hole rotate relatively to each other can form a damping force
Data Source
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AI summary
This application provides a hinge assembly and an electronic device, related to the technical field of electronic devices, and used to resolve a problem that a structure of an existing hinge assembly is complex and a volume is large, which is not conducive to thinning and lightening of an electronic device. The hinge assembly includes a base, a rotating base, a rotating assembly, and a fastening base. The base is configured to be fixedly connected to a first portion. The rotating base is configured to be fixedly connected to a second component. The rotating assembly includes a rotating shaft and a through hole, one of the rotating shaft and the through hole is disposed on the base, the other of the rotating shaft and the through hole is disposed on the rotating base, and the rotating shaft is inserted into the through hole, so that the base is rotatably connected to the rotating base. A shaft hole is provided on the fastening base, an end portion of the rotating shaft is inserted into the shaft hole, and the rotating shaft is in interference fit with the shaft hole.