Multi-Foldable Hinge Assembly for Electronic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a challenge in creating electronic devices that balance the need for a larger display for multimedia services with the requirement for compactness, as existing devices struggle to efficiently implement multi-foldable structures.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a hinge assembly in an electronic device that includes a first hinge structure connecting the second housing to the first housing, a second hinge structure connecting the third housing to the first housing, and a rotation link structure. This configuration allows for a multi-foldable structure where the third housing rotates based on the movement of the first and second links when the first housing is rotated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If the display size is enlarged for multimedia services, then the display area is improved, but the device size increases and compactness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple housings (first housing, second housing, third housing) that can be folded relative to each other. The display is segmented across multiple housings, allowing the display area to be expanded when unfolded while maintaining a compact form when folded. This segmentation enables the display to provide a large area for multimedia services while the overall device maintains portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs a dynamic hinge assembly with multiple hinge structures that allow the housings to rotate and fold between different configurations. The rotation link structure with intermediate links provides dynamic movement, enabling the device to transition smoothly between a compact folded state and an expanded unfolded state, thus adapting the display area according to usage needs while maintaining compactness when not in use.
2Area of moving object
If a multi-foldable structure is implemented, then the display area is expanded, but the structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is designed as a multi-functional mechanism that simultaneously controls the folding of multiple housings. The rotation link structure with intermediate links serves multiple purposes: it coordinates the rotation of the second and third housings, maintains structural integrity during folding, and enables synchronized movement of all components. This universal design reduces the need for separate complex mechanisms for each folding action.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate links in the rotation link structure act as mediators that transfer and coordinate movement between the hinge structures. When the first hinge structure rotates, the intermediate links translate this motion into coordinated rotation of the second and third housings, simplifying the overall control mechanism while achieving complex folding patterns.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a first housing, a second housing, a third housing, and a hinge assembly. The hinge assembly includes a first hinge structure rotatably connecting the second housing to the first housing, a second hinge structure rotatably connecting the third housing to the first housing, and a rotation link structure. The rotation link structure may include a first link having one end connected to the first hinge structure, a second link having one end connected to the second hinge structure, and an intermediate link configured to be rotate about a rotation axis. The other end of the first link and the other end of the second link are connected to the intermediate link. In response to the first housing being rotated, the third housing is configured to be rotated according to a movement of the first link and the second link.