Synchronized Hinge Assembly for Stable Foldable Device Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current foldable electronic devices face challenges in maintaining a stable, user-defined state due to uncontrolled rotation trajectories and lack of efficient locking mechanisms, which affects user experience and component complexity.
Innovation Solution
A hinge assembly with a trajectory limiting mechanism, synchronization mechanism, and locking mechanism, comprising sliders, cylindrical gear sets, guide rod gears, and transmission members, that limits rotation trajectories and maintains a preset positional relationship between sliders to lock the hinge in a desired state, enhancing user experience and reducing component count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a traditional hinge mechanism is used without trajectory limiting, then the structure is simpler, but the rotation trajectory is uncontrolled causing unnecessary movement and potential damage to flexible displays
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism is segmented into distinct functional modules: trajectory limiting mechanism with sliders constrained to specific paths, synchronization mechanism with gear sets, and locking mechanism with independent locking components. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specific function efficiently while protecting the flexible display through controlled movement trajectories.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a locking mechanism is added to maintain user-defined states, then the stability is improved, but the component count and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged with the synchronization mechanism, where locking components are integrated into the existing gear set structure. The locking pins engage with slots on the gear components, allowing the locking function to be achieved without adding completely separate locking components, thus maintaining state stability while controlling overall complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If synchronization mechanism with gear sets is implemented, then the coordinated rotation of sliders is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gear sets act as intermediary elements between the two sliders, translating and synchronizing their rotational movements. The gear teeth provide a mechanical intermediary that ensures coordinated rotation without requiring direct precision control between the sliders themselves, reducing the overall manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining synchronized motion.
4Ease of operation
If trajectory limiting mechanism with sliders and guide paths is used, then the rotation control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sliders serve multiple functions: they constrain the rotation trajectory through guided movement paths, transmit rotational motion between components, and provide mounting points for locking mechanisms. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, improving rotation control while managing overall structural complexity.
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 proposed hinge assembly effectively limits unnecessary movement, maintains the foldable electronic device in a user-defined state, and reduces the number of components, improving user experience and control while minimizing damage to flexible displays.
Implementation Method 1
a synchronization mechanism, cooperating with the trajectory limiting mechanism, for driving each of the first slider and the second slider into rotation relative to the first hinge bracket in a preset direction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present application relates to a hinge (100), a hinge assembly and a foldable electronic device. The hinge comprises a trajectory limiting mechanism (1), comprising a first slider (11) and a second slider (12); a first hinge bracket (2), for cooperating with the first slider and the second slider, the first hinge bracket being configured to limit rotation trajectories of the first slider and the second slider; a synchronization mechanism (3), cooperating with the trajectory limiting mechanism, for driving the first slider and the second slider into rotation relative to the first hinge bracket in a preset direction respectively; a locking mechanism (4), cooperating with the synchronization mechanism, the locking mechanism having a locked state in which the locking mechanism is configured to prevent the movement of the synchronization mechanism to maintain a relative positional relationship between the first slider and the second slider.