Hinge Torque Counteracts Input Stress in Foldable Mobile Terminal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Folding-type mobile terminal devices experience instability in operation due to stress on the input units when in the opened state, leading to potential changes in device state from opened to closed unexpectedly.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a hinge mechanism that generates torque opposite to the stress acting on the input units, with supporting members extending from the pivotal axis to stabilize the device and maintain the opened state, and optionally using a combination of metallic and resin materials for frames and antennas to enhance rigidity and prevent radio wave interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If two housings are coupled using a hinge to enable folding, then the device can be set to opened and closed states improving convenience, but stress acts on the input unit when opened causing operational instability

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveconvenienceVSAvoidoperational stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge mechanism generates torque in the opposite direction to the stress acting on the input unit when the housings form a predetermined angle. This counter-torque compensates for the stress caused by user input, preventing the device from unexpectedly closing and ensuring stable operation during typing or touchscreen interaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

2Reliability

If the hinge generates torque to counteract stress on input units, then operational stability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational stabilityVSAvoidhinge mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge mechanism automatically generates the necessary counter-torque based on the stress detected from input unit operation. The system self-regulates without requiring external control systems, sensors, or power sources, thereby maintaining operational stability while avoiding additional complexity from active control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Stability of the object's composition

If supporting members extend away from the pivotal axis to stabilize the device, then rigidity is improved, but the weight of the housing increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice stabilityVSAvoidhousing weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is divided into multiple supporting members that extend from the pivotal axis. These segmented structural elements provide distributed support and rigidity throughout the housing, achieving stable device operation without requiring a single heavy reinforcing component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 configuration improves the operability and stability of the mobile terminal device by counteracting stress on the input units, maintaining the desired state without wobbling, and minimizing interference with radio waves.

Implementation Method 1

the hinge generates torque in a direction opposite to that of a stress acting on the input unit when the first and second housings form a predetermined angle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTorque: Torque

Data Source

PatentEP2911370B1Mobile terminal device
Publication Date: 2018.05.23 NEC CORP
  • EP2911370B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2911370B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2911370B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A mobile terminal device (1) according to the present invention includes a housing (10) that includes a frame (30), a housing (20) that includes a frame (40), and hinges (51 and 52) that couple the frame (30) and the frame (40) around a pivotal axis (50). The housings (10, 20) include touch panels (12, 22). The frame (30) includes supporting members (32, 33) that extend in a direction away from the pivotal axis (50) and the frame (40) includes supporting members (42, 43) that extend in a direction away from the pivotal axis (50). The hinges (51, 52) generate torque in a direction opposite to that of a stress acting on the touch panels (12, 22) when the housings (10, 20) form a predetermined angle.