Magnetic Hinge Assembly With Lock Release for Automatic Unfolding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing folding electronic devices require manual unfolding, which contradicts the trend of lightweight and thin designs, and there is a need for a mechanism that allows automatic unfolding.
Innovation Solution
A hinge assembly with a driving rod, magnetic assembly, and limiting assembly that enables automatic unfolding by using magnetic attraction and repulsion, combined with an elastic mechanism to switch between folded and unfolded states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual unfolding mechanism is used, then device structure is simple, but user operation convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly automatically unfolds the flexible display panel without requiring user operation. The magnetic assembly and limiting assembly work together to self-initiate the unfolding action when the device is in folded state, eliminating the need for manual intervention and improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical unfolding mechanisms with a magnetic field-based system. The magnetic assembly uses magnetic attraction and repulsion forces to drive the unfolding motion, substituting complex mechanical linkages with a more compact and automated magnetic control system.
2Ease of operation
If automatic unfolding mechanism is added, then user operation convenience is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic assembly and limiting assembly are integrated within the compact hinge body structure. The driving rod is nested within the hinge body, and the magnetic components are positioned within the space between the first and second housings, achieving automatic functionality without significantly increasing overall device volume or structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The driving rod serves as an intermediary component that transmits the magnetic force from the magnetic assembly to the hinge body. This intermediary mechanism allows the magnetic field to effectively control the mechanical motion of unfolding, bridging the gap between magnetic actuation and mechanical movement while maintaining structural efficiency.
3Extent of automation
If magnetic assembly is used for automatic unfolding, then operation automation is improved, but device weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the magnetic assembly by adjusting magnetic field strength parameters and component dimensions to achieve the required unfolding force with minimal material. The limiting assembly uses elastic deformation parameters to control the unfolding motion, allowing automation without excessive weight addition.
4Productivity
If hinge assembly enables automatic unfolding, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic assembly is pre-positioned within the hinge body such that when the device is folded, the magnetic attraction force is already engaged and ready to initiate unfolding immediately. The limiting assembly is pre-configured to release at the appropriate moment, enabling rapid automatic unfolding without requiring complex sequencing or additional activation steps.
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
Enables automatic unfolding of flexible screens without user intervention, enhancing user experience by maintaining the lightweight and thin design of electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
the magnetic assembly and the second magnetic member arranged in the second housing attract each other
Implementation Method 2
A first end of the driving rod is slidably coupled to the hinge body... the magnetic assembly moves from the first position towards the driving rod along the first direction to a second position
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge assembly includes: a hinge body, a driving rod, a magnetic assembly and a limiting assembly. The hinge body includes a folded state and an unfolded state. The driving rod is slidably coupled to the hinge body. The driving rod is slidable relative to the hinge body along a first direction. The magnetic assembly is slidably coupled to the driving rod. The limiting assembly includes a locked state where the limiting assembly is located between two opposite surfaces of the driving rod and the magnetic assembly and an unlocked state where the limiting assembly is located outside the two opposite surfaces. When the hinge body is in the folded state, the driving rod presses against the magnetic assembly. The limiting assembly switches to the unlocked state in response to an operation instruction. The magnetic assembly moves from a first position to a second position.