Hinge Cover Design for Foldable Mobile Terminal Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile terminals with exposed hinge assemblies are prone to malfunctions due to foreign matter and moisture penetration, disrupting their functionality.
Innovation Solution
A mobile terminal design that incorporates a hinge cover to seal the hinge assembly, preventing exposure to external elements and ensuring a seamless folding mechanism, utilizing a combination of materials like rubber or silicon for the hinge cover and an adhesive layer for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the hinge assembly is exposed to enable folding functionality, then the folding capability is achieved, but foreign matter and moisture can penetrate into the terminal causing malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
A hinge cover is introduced as an intermediary component between the hinge assembly and the external environment. The cover includes a hinge assembly receiving portion that accommodates the hinge assembly while maintaining protection, thus mediating between the need for folding functionality and protection from foreign matter and moisture
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly is nested within the hinge cover structure. The hinge cover includes a receiving portion that houses the hinge assembly, creating a nested configuration where the functional component is protected within the protective structure, preventing direct exposure to harmful external elements
2Adaptability or versatility
If the hinge assembly is exposed to the outside, then folding function is enabled, but the terminal appearance loses seamless unity
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge cover acts as a mediating structure that conceals the hinge assembly from external view while still allowing the folding function to operate. The cover's design with a receiving portion enables the hinge to be hidden, thus mediating between functional requirements and aesthetic requirements for seamless appearance
3Reliability
If the hinge assembly is covered to prevent exposure, then protection from foreign matter is achieved, but the folding mechanism may be constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is nested within a specifically designed receiving portion of the hinge cover that accommodates the hinge's movement. This nesting configuration provides protection while maintaining the necessary freedom of movement for the folding mechanism to operate effectively
4Shape
If the hinge assembly is covered, then seamless appearance is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge cover is designed as a separate, modular component with a specific receiving portion structure that can be manufactured independently and then assembled with the hinge assembly and terminal body. This segmentation simplifies the manufacturing process compared to integrating the protection function directly into the main terminal structure
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(b)
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
Figure 3
AI summary
A mobile terminal is disclosed. The mobile terminal comprises a flexible display (D); a first body (210) positioned at a rear of the flexible display (D), the first body (210) connected to the flexible display (D); a second body (220) positioned at the rear of the flexible display (D), the second body (220) connected to the flexible display (D) and spaced apart from the first body (210), the second body (220) movable with respect to the first body (210); a hinge assembly (HA) positioned at the rear of the flexible display (D), the hinge assembly (HA) located between the first body (210) and the second body (220), the hinge assembly (HA) connecting the first body (210) and the second body (220); and a hinge cover (250) positioned at a lateral side of the hinge assembly (HA), the hinge cover (250) between the first body (210) and the second body (220), characterized in that the hinge cover (250) has a thinner thickness toward a central portion of the hinge cover (250) from both ends of the hinge cover (250), the thinner thickness in a direction from flexible display (D) toward the hinge assembly (HA).