Magnetic Hinge Mechanism for Thin Foldable Device Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinge mechanisms for foldable electronic devices are complex, making it difficult to achieve a light and thin design, as they rely on cam-and-spring structures that complicate the folding functionality and stability.
Innovation Solution
A hinge mechanism that generates a magnetic torque force between a rotating piece and a mounting plate using magnetic attraction forces between magnetic pieces and fitting pieces, simplifying the structure and enabling a light and thin design by providing resistance and self-unfolding capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cam-and-spring structure is used to generate torque force in the hinge mechanism, then the hinge mechanism can provide sufficient support forces and stable rotation, but the structure becomes complex which is unfavorable to light and thin design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional cam-and-spring mechanical structure with a magnetic field-based torque generation system. Magnets are embedded in the rotating assembly and interact with magnetic sensors or magnetic field detectors in the housing to generate torque force, eliminating the need for complex mechanical cam-and-spring mechanisms while maintaining stable rotation support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and interaction mechanism from mechanical contact (cam-and-spring) to magnetic field interaction. By utilizing magnetic field strength, polarity, and distance as controllable parameters, the system generates torque force without mechanical wear and complexity, enabling both reliability and thinness.
2Force
If a cam-and-spring structure is used in the hinge mechanism, then the torque force can be generated for stable folding, but the device cannot achieve a light and thin design due to the complex structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cam-and-spring torque generation system with a magnetic field-based system. Magnets embedded in the rotating assembly interact with magnetic field detectors or additional magnets in the housing to generate the required torque force, eliminating complex mechanical components while maintaining sufficient folding support force.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary between the rotating assembly and the housing to transmit force. Instead of direct mechanical contact through cams and springs, the magnetic field acts as a mediator to generate torque force, reducing structural complexity and enabling a thinner design.
3Device complexity
If magnetic pieces are used to generate magnetic torque force, then the structure is simplified and light and thin design is enabled, but the mechanism needs to provide both resistance and self-unfolding capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic magnetic interaction system where the magnetic torque force can change direction and magnitude based on the folding state. The system provides resistance during folding by generating opposing magnetic force, and enables self-unfolding by reversing the magnetic polarity or adjusting the magnetic field strength to create unfolding force, all within a simplified magnetic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the magnetic field (strength, polarity, distribution) to provide multiple functions. By adjusting magnetic parameters, the same magnetic pieces can generate resistance force during folding and self-unfolding force during unfolding, eliminating the need for separate mechanical components for each function.
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 magnetic torque force simplifies the hinge mechanism's structure, allows for a light and thin electronic device design, and reduces the external forces required for unfolding, implementing a stable and self-unfolding function.
Implementation Method 1
the first magnetic piece is configured to magnetically attract and fit the first magnetic fitting piece... the first magnetic piece and the first magnetic fitting piece get away from each other to provide a first resistance force for relative sliding between the first rotating piece and the first mounting plate
Implementation Method 2
generate a magnetic torque force between a rotating piece and a mounting plate by using a magnetic attraction force between a magnetic piece and a magnetic fitting piece
Data Source
AI summary
The hinge mechanism includes a main shaft, a first rotating piece, a first mounting plate, a first magnetic piece, a first magnetic fitting piece, a second rotating piece, a second mounting plate, a second magnetic piece, and a second magnetic fitting piece. The first rotating piece, the first mounting plate, the second rotating piece, and the second mounting plate are rotatably connected to the main shaft. The first rotating piece is slidably connected to the first mounting plate. The second rotating piece is slidably connected to the second mounting plate. The first magnetic piece is on the first rotating piece. The first magnetic fitting piece is located on the first mounting plate and magnetically attracts the first magnetic piece. The second magnetic piece is on the second rotating piece. The second magnetic fitting piece is on the second mounting plate and magnetically attracts the second magnetic piece.