Internal Hinge Module Layout for Gap-Reduced Foldable Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable electronic devices face challenges in reducing the size and minimizing the gap between bodies connected by a hinge, which can increase the device's volume and compromise aesthetic appeal.
Innovation Solution
A hinge module design with a hinge shaft located inside the first body and a bracket system that minimizes the visible gap by aligning the hinge components within the device's structure, allowing for a more compact form factor and reduced visibility of the hinge mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a hinge module is used to connect two bodies, then the device can be folded and unfolded, but a gap appears between the bodies and the device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge shaft is positioned inside the first body rather than externally, nesting the hinge mechanism within the device structure. This reduces the external volume occupied by the hinge while maintaining the foldable function between the first and second bodies
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge shaft extends in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction (which is the folding direction), utilizing a different spatial dimension to accommodate the hinge mechanism. This orientation reduces the gap visible in the folding direction while keeping the hinge functional
2Adaptability or versatility
If a hinge module is used to connect two bodies, then the device can be folded and unfolded, but the gap between bodies becomes visible
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge shaft is extracted from the external view by positioning it inside the first body. Only necessary portions of the hinge mechanism extend outward, minimizing the visible gap between bodies while maintaining the foldable function
Solution Approach 2:
By orienting the hinge shaft to extend perpendicular to the folding direction, the design moves the hinge mechanism to another dimension where it is less visible, reducing the aesthetic impact of the gap between bodies
3Device complexity
If the hinge shaft is positioned outside the body, then the hinge mechanism is simple, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge shaft is nested inside the first body, with only the necessary coupling portions extending outward. This maintains relative simplicity of the hinge mechanism while reducing the external length and volume of the device
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 solution effectively reduces the visible gap and overall size of the device, enhancing its aesthetic appeal and providing a larger screen area by securing the mounting space for displays.
Implementation Method 1
a first shaft member constituting a hinge shaft, and a second shaft member inserted into the first shaft member
Data Source
AI summary
A portable electronic device comprises: a first body including an opening formed in the side surface in a first direction; a hinge module comprising a first bracket fixed to the first body and a second bracket coupled to be rotatable about a hinge shaft; and a second body which has one end portion inserted in the opening and is coupled to the second bracket of the hinge module, wherein the hinge shaft is located inside of the first body and is extended in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The upper end portion of the opening is located in the first direction as compared with the hinge shaft of the hinge module. In the portable electronic device, the distance between a pair of bodies may be reduced, and thus, a portion between the bodies, in particular, the opening in which the hinge module is extended is invisible from the field of view of a user.