Foldable Hinge Shaft Module With Threaded Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing synchronous transmission mechanisms in screen-foldable cell phones are bulky due to the use of numerous gears, leading to increased thickness and no effective solutions to replace gear-based mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A rotating shaft module with a threaded connecting member that allows synchronized axial movement of rotating shafts through a thread cooperating relationship, stabilized by an elastic assembly, eliminating the need for gears.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If gears are used for synchronous transmission, then the transmission function is achieved, but the thickness of the device increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronous transmission functionVSAvoidthickness of the device
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional gear-based mechanical transmission system with a rotating shaft module that uses direct rotational coupling. The first and second rotating shafts are connected through a shared bearing structure, allowing synchronous rotation without requiring multiple gears. This substitution eliminates the need for complex gear trains while maintaining the synchronous transmission function, thereby reducing the overall thickness of the device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft into a single integrated rotating assembly that shares common supporting bearings. By combining these shafts into one modular unit with synchronized rotation capability, the design eliminates the need for separate gear mechanisms that would increase thickness. The merged structure achieves synchronous transmission through direct mechanical coupling rather than through multiple discrete gear components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If multiple gears are designed for synchronous transmission, then the transmission function is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronous transmission functionVSAvoidnumber of gears
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex gear-based mechanical transmission system with a rotating shaft module that uses direct rotational coupling. The first and second rotating shafts are connected through a shared bearing structure, allowing synchronous rotation without requiring multiple gears. This substitution eliminates the need for complex gear trains while maintaining the synchronous transmission function, thereby reducing the overall thickness of the device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotating shaft module serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides synchronous transmission, supports rotational movement, and maintains structural alignment. The shared bearing structure performs both support and synchronization functions, eliminating the need for separate gear components that would increase device complexity. This multi-functional design simplifies the overall mechanism while achieving the required transmission capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This solution reduces the thickness of the electronic apparatus by enabling stable and synchronized movement of rotating shafts without the bulk of gears, enhancing the folding mechanism's efficiency and flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

stabilized by an elastic assembly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4161039B1Rotating shaft module, folding assembly, and electronic apparatus
Publication Date: 2024.10.09 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • EP4161039B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4161039B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4161039B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present application relates to the technical field of smart devices. Disclosed are a rotating shaft module, a folding assembly, and an electronic apparatus. In the rotating shaft module,mounting housing two rotating shafts are arranged opposite to each other, and are separately and rotatably connected to a mounting housing; each two rotating shafts is configured to slide relative to the mounting housing in an axial direction; an elastic assembly is sleeved on each rotating shaft, abuts against the mounting housing, and is used for applying, to eachtwo rotating shafts, an action force opposite to a sliding direction so as to keep the stability of eachtwo rotating shafts; and a first connecting member is separately and threadedly connected to eachtwo rotating shafts. According to the present application, the first connecting member is separately and threadedly connected to each rotating shaft; when one rotating shaft rotates, due to a threaded fitting relationship, the first connecting member moves in the axial direction, and due to a threaded fitting relationship between the other rotating shaft and the first connecting member, the two rotating shafts keep the same axial movement; and under the cooperation of the elastic assembly, each rotating shaft keeps stable.