Foldable Hinge Bracket Groove Structure to Reduce Screen Indentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing foldable electronic devices suffer from indentation issues in the flexible screen due to the hinge assembly squeezing the bending area, affecting both the appearance and service life of the device.
Innovation Solution
A hinge assembly with a support surface featuring a first groove part adjacent to the swing arm and a second groove part, where the first groove part is larger than the second, providing support to the flexible screen without squeezing it, thereby reducing indentations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the hinge assembly is made lightweight and thin to reduce occupied space, then the device becomes more compact, but the gap between the flexible screen and hinge is compressed causing stress imprint and indentation on the screen
Solution Approach 1:
The groove structure is designed with non-uniform cross-section where the first groove part (adjacent to swing arm) has larger dimensions than the second groove part. This local variation in geometry allows the groove to provide differential support - the larger first groove part accommodates the swing arm while preventing squeezing, and the smaller second groove part maintains structural integrity without causing stress concentration on the flexible screen.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the hinge assembly squeezes the flexible screen during folding to maintain structural stability, then the device maintains its form, but an indentation is formed in the bending area affecting appearance and service life
Solution Approach 1:
The groove acts as an intermediary element between the swing arm and the flexible screen. It provides a controlled interface that allows the swing arm to exert necessary stabilizing forces while preventing excessive squeezing that would cause indentation. The groove's geometry mediates the interaction, distributing forces evenly and protecting the screen from direct contact with rigid hinge components.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 1D~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
A hinge assembly (100) and an electronic device are provided. The hinge assembly (100) includes a base (10), a swing arm (20), and a hinge bracket (30). The hinge bracket (30) is disposed on the base (10), the swing arm (20) is rotatably connected to the hinge bracket (30), and in a process in which the swing arm (20) rotates relative to the hinge bracket (30), the hinge assembly (100) switches between an unfolded state and a folded state. There is a support surface (301) on a side that is of the hinge bracket (30) and that is away from the base (10), the support surface (301) is provided with a groove (3011), the groove (3011) includes a first groove part (30111) and a second groove part (30112), the first groove part (30111) is adjacent to the swing arm (20), and a size of the first groove part (30111) is greater than a size of the second groove part (30112).