Independent Sub-Hinge Module for Foldable Twist Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable electronic devices experience twisting issues and damage due to uneven coupling between housing structures and hinge structures, leading to potential foreign matter infiltration.
Innovation Solution
A hinge module with independent sub-hinge structures, including first and second sub-hinge structures with center brackets and hinge brackets, is designed to minimize twisting by allowing each sub-hinge structure to rotate independently, ensuring even coupling and reduced stress on the hinge mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed hinge structure is used to connect housing structures, then the hinge structure can support rotary motion, but the fixed positions between housing structures and hinge structure differ causing twisting when the device is held and twisted
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge structure is divided into multiple independent sub-hinge structures (first sub-hinge structure and second sub-hinge structure). Each sub-hinge structure includes its own center bracket and hinge bracket that can rotate independently. This segmentation allows each sub-hinge to handle specific rotational movements separately, preventing the twisting that occurs when using a single fixed hinge structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge brackets are designed to rotate through predetermined angles in opposite directions relative to their respective center brackets. This dynamic capability allows the hinge structure to adapt to twisting forces by permitting controlled rotational movement, thereby maintaining coupling stability while resisting unwanted twisting of the overall device.
2Ease of manufacture
If housing structures are coupled to hinge structures at fixed positions, then the hinge mechanism can function, but gaps are formed between structures enabling foreign matter infiltration
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the hinge system into multiple sub-hinge structures with separate center brackets and hinge brackets, the patent creates a more compact arrangement that reduces gaps between components. Each sub-hinge structure can be precisely positioned and coupled, minimizing spaces where foreign matter could infiltrate while maintaining ease of assembly.
3Stability of the object's composition
If independent sub-hinge structures are used to suppress twisting, then coupling stability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge structure is segmented into modular sub-hinge units, each comprising a center bracket and a hinge bracket. This modular segmentation improves coupling stability by allowing independent rotation of each unit, while the repetitive nature of the modules keeps manufacturing and assembly complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second sub-hinge structures serve multiple functions: they enable rotary motion of the housing structures, suppress twisting through independent rotation capability, and reduce gaps that could allow foreign matter infiltration. This multi-functionality justifies the increased structural complexity by delivering multiple benefits from a single design approach.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a hinge module including a hinge structure having a first sub-hinge structure including a first center bracket and a first hinge bracket that rotates through a specified angle in a first direction and a second sub-hinge structure including a second center bracket and a second hinge bracket that rotates through a specified angle in an opposite direction to the first direction. The first hinge bracket and the second hinge bracket are separated from each other and are disposed between the first center bracket and the second center bracket, and hinge motion of the first sub-hinge structure is performed independently of hinge motion of the second sub-hinge structure. The hinge module and a foldable display device including the hinge module suppress a phenomenon in which the hinge module is opened when the housing structures are twisted, thereby preventing damage to the foldable display device.