Magnetic Housing Coupling for Hingeless Foldable Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices with large displays face a trade-off between display size and form factor, and existing solutions that use hinges for folding displays often compromise on aesthetics by exposing hinge structures on the exterior.
Innovation Solution
The use of magnetic members to rotatably couple the housings of an electronic device without visible hinges, allowing for various angles and folding configurations while maintaining an aesthetic design by employing inclined surfaces to restrict rotation and prevent unintended movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If hinges are used to connect multiple displays, then the device can be folded to achieve larger screen sizes, but the hinge structures are exposed on the exterior degrading aesthetic appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional mechanical hinge structure from the exterior of the device. Instead of using visible hinges to connect multiple displays, the invention extracts the connection function and replaces it with magnetic members that are embedded within the housing, leaving the exterior surface smooth and aesthetically pleasing while maintaining the folding capability for larger screen sizes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical hinge system with a magnetic coupling system. Magnetic members are used to provide the connection and rotational movement between housing portions, substituting the mechanical hinge mechanism with a magnetic field-based system that eliminates visible external components while maintaining the desired functionality
2Shape
If magnetic members are used to rotatably couple housings, then aesthetic appearance is improved by hiding hinges, but control over rotation angles and positioning becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors and control circuits that detect the position and orientation of magnetic members relative to each other. This feedback mechanism allows the system to monitor rotation angles and provide haptic or visual feedback to the user, enabling precise control over the folding angles and positioning of multiple displays even though the connection is magnetic rather than mechanical
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic control of magnetic field strength and direction through controllable magnetic members (such as electromagnetic actuators). This allows the system to dynamically adjust the magnetic coupling force, providing variable resistance during rotation and enabling the user to control and maintain specific angular positions with precision, transforming the static magnetic connection into a dynamically controllable system
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 solution enables electronic devices to achieve larger screen sizes by folding multiple displays without exposing hinges, maintaining aesthetic appeal and allowing for versatile angular adjustments, enhancing user experience and portability.
Implementation Method 1
first and second magnetic members that can generate a magnetic force, it is possible to rotatably couple a first housing and a second housing of the electronic device using the magnetic force
Implementation Method 2
on the connecting housing parts inclined surfaces for restricting the rotation of the first and second magnetic members
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An electronic device according to one embodiment may include: a first housing including a first side; a second housing including a second side facing the first side; at least one first magnetic member configured to be rotatably disposed inside the first housing and adjacent to the first side; and at least one second magnetic member configured to be rotatably disposed inside the second housing and adjacent to the second side, wherein the first housing and the second housing are rotatably coupled to each other by a magnetic force between the at least one first magnetic member and the at least one second magnetic member. Various other embodiments are also possible.