Multi-Axis Rotary Shaft Assembly for Crease-Reducing Foldables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable electronic devices face challenges in achieving synchronous and efficient folding/unfolding mechanisms that minimize creases and material costs while ensuring durability and user experience.
Innovation Solution
A rotary shaft apparatus with a base plate and rotary shaft assembly, including first and second transmission assemblies, and a first supporting member, allowing for synchronized rotation and movement of components to reduce creases and enhance durability, while minimizing material usage and improving user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional hinge mechanism is used for folding, then the device can be folded, but creases are formed on the display and durability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The folding mechanism is divided into multiple transmission assemblies (first and second transmission assemblies) with separate rotation axes, allowing the display to be folded through coordinated rotation of multiple components rather than a single hinge point. This segmentation distributes the mechanical stress and prevents concentrated crease formation at one location.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a traditional single-axis hinge folding mechanism to a multi-axis rotation system. The first transmission assembly rotates around a first rotation axis while the second transmission assembly rotates around a second rotation axis, adding dimensional complexity to the folding motion. This multi-dimensional approach allows the display to fold without forming traditional creases by distributing the bending across different rotational planes.
2Productivity
If synchronous folding mechanism is implemented, then folding efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second transmission assemblies are integrated into a unified rotary shaft apparatus structure, where both assemblies work together through shared components and coordinated motion. The base plate serves as a common reference for both transmission assemblies, and their rotational movements are synchronized through the mechanical linkage, achieving synchronous folding without requiring completely separate control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission assemblies are designed to automatically synchronize their rotational movements through the mechanical connection between the base plate and the rotating components. When one transmission assembly rotates, it naturally drives the other assembly through the shared mechanical structure, eliminating the need for complex external synchronization controls or additional actuators.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple transmission assemblies are used for synchronous rotation, then folding precision is improved, but material cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate serves multiple functions: it acts as the mounting foundation for both transmission assemblies, serves as the reference plane for rotational synchronization, and provides the mechanical linkage between the two rotation axes. This multi-functional design reduces the need for additional separate components that would otherwise be required to achieve the same synchronization precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention optimizes the rotational parameters of the two transmission assemblies, allowing them to rotate around different axes (first rotation axis and second rotation axis) while maintaining synchronized motion. By changing the parameter of rotation axis orientation rather than adding more complex transmission components, the system achieves precise synchronous folding with reduced material requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A rotary shaft apparatus includes a base plate and a rotary shaft assembly, the rotary shaft assembly includes a first transmission assembly, a first supporting member and a second transmission assembly, the first transmission assembly is rotatably connected to the base plate around a first axial direction, and the first supporting member is rotatably connected to the first transmission assembly around a second axial direction parallel to the first axial direction, and the second transmission assembly is rotatably connected to the base plate around a third axial direction parallel to the first axial direction, and is movably connected to at least one of the first transmission assembly and the first supporting member.