Foldable Hinge Cover Anti-Wear Layer for Scratch Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
In foldable electronic devices, friction between the housing and hinge cover during rotation leads to wear and scratches on the hinge cover, affecting aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device incorporates a hinge assembly with a housing comprising a first and second housing connected through a hinge cover, featuring an anti-wear layer on the first housing with lower hardness than the hinge cover, which reduces friction and prevents wear during rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the housing is rotated relative to the hinge cover during folding/unfolding, then the device achieves foldable functionality and screen size switching, but friction is generated between the housing and hinge cover causing wear and scratches on the hinge cover
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an anti-wear layer as an intermediary component between the housing and hinge cover. This layer is specifically designed with lower hardness than the hinge cover to prevent the housing from directly wearing the hinge cover during rotation. The anti-wear layer absorbs the friction and wear, protecting the hinge cover from scratches while enabling continuous folding and unfolding operations.
2Device complexity
If the hinge assembly and housing components are in direct contact during rotation, then structural simplicity is maintained, but the hinge cover is easily worn affecting aesthetics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the anti-wear layer locally only at the specific contact region between the housing and hinge cover, rather than modifying the entire structure. This localized treatment maintains the overall structural simplicity while providing targeted protection to the hinge cover surface where wear occurs during rotation.
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 anti-wear layer effectively prevents the housing from wearing the hinge cover, enhancing the device's aesthetics by minimizing gaps and reducing dust ingress, while maintaining structural integrity and stability during folding and unfolding.
Implementation Method 1
in a process in which the housing is rotated relative to the hinge cover, friction is generated between the housing and the hinge cover
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes: a hinge assembly; a housing including a first housing, a second housing, and a hinge cover, where the hinge assembly and the hinge cover are arranged opposite to each other, the first housing and the second housing are separately connected to the hinge assembly, the first housing and the second housing are rotatably connected through the hinge assembly, and the first housing and the second housing are respectively located on two sides of the hinge cover to enclose an accommodating space for accommodating the hinge assembly; and an anti-wear layer arranged on a side of the first housing close to the hinge cover, and hardness of the anti-wear layer is lower than hardness of the hinge cover.