Interlocking Hinge Module for Foldable Screen Miniaturization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Miniaturization of electronic devices to enhance portability often results in smaller screens and limited battery capacity, and the mechanical structures required for folding or rolling pose obstacles to further miniaturization.
Innovation Solution
A hinge module that allows for the deformation of electronic devices by using a first and second hinge plate coupled with a rotation plate, enabling interlocking assemblies such as sliders, links, or connection pins to facilitate rotation between folded and unfolded positions, allowing for a larger screen size while maintaining portability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If miniaturization is implemented to enhance portability, then device size and weight are reduced, but screen size and battery capacity become smaller
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple segments (first housing structure and second housing structure) that can rotate relative to each other via the hinge structure, allowing the device to transition between folded and unfolded states to provide different screen sizes while maintaining portability
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge structure enables the device to utilize three-dimensional space by allowing rotation between housing structures, effectively increasing the available screen area when unfolded while maintaining a compact form factor when folded
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical structures for folding are added, then device flexibility and portability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge structure integrates multiple functions into a single mechanical assembly, combining rotation support, electrical connection maintenance, and structural coupling between housing structures, thereby reducing overall device complexity while achieving folding capability
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge structure serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it enables rotation between housing structures, maintains electrical connections through conductive parts and insulating bushings, and provides structural support, demonstrating multi-functionality that reduces the need for separate components
3Ease of operation
If housing structures are rotatably coupled to enable folding, then portability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating bushings act as intermediaries between the conductive shafts and housing structures, providing precise positioning and reducing friction, which facilitates smooth folding operations while maintaining consistent manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge structure utilizes controlled changes in rotational parameters and mechanical clearances to enable smooth folding operations, where the insulating bushings provide appropriate clearance and friction characteristics to balance ease of operation with manufacturing precision requirements
Data Source
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AI summary
According to various embodiments disclosed in the present document, an electronic device comprises: first and second housings formed to rotate with respect to each other between a first position at which the first and second housings face each other and a second position at which the first and second housings are unfolded at a designated angle with respect to each other from the first position; and a hinge module arranged between the first and second housings to rotatably connect the first and second housings, wherein the hinge module comprises: a first hinge plate coupled to the first housing and arranged to be rotatable around a first rotary shaft; a second hinge plate coupled to the second housing and arranged to be rotatable around a second rotary shaft that is parallel to the first rotary shaft; a rotary plate arranged to be rotatable around a rotary shaft that is perpendicular to the first rotary shaft or the second rotary shaft; a first interlocking assembly including at least one from among a slider, a link and a connection pin and connecting the first hinge plate to the rotary plate; and a second interlocking assembly including at least one from among a slider, a link and a connection pin and connecting the second hinge plate to the rotary plate, and can be formed so that the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate rotate between the first position and the second position by being interlocked by means of the rotary plate, the first interlocking assembly and the second interlocking assembly in response to rotation of the first and second housings. Various other embodiments are possible.