Offset Hinge Plates for Foldable Device Compactness
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable electronic devices face challenges with bulky and complex hinge modules that hinder flexibility in folding/unfolding, leading to unusable displays when folded and increased device size when unfolded.
Innovation Solution
A hinge assembly comprising offset rows of hinge plates with pivot and support rods, allowing components to fold seamlessly while maintaining minimal outer dimensions and supporting the display, featuring interlocking notches and resilient mechanisms for stable folding/unfolding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional hinge modules are used to connect multiple housings, then the device can be folded to a small size, but the hinge modules become bulky, complex, and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is divided into multiple individual hinge plates (first row and second row) connected by pivot rods, replacing the traditional single bulky hinge module. Each hinge plate is a separate, simple component that collectively provides the folding function, reducing overall complexity while maintaining compact folded dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge plates are arranged in offset rows where plates of the second row partially overlap hinge plates of the first row. This nested arrangement allows the structure to fold into a compact configuration while using simpler, thinner individual components instead of a thick complex hinge module.
2Ease of operation
If traditional hinge modules are used, then folding function is achieved, but the display becomes invisible and unusable when folded
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly provides continuous rotational movement capability through multiple pivot points, allowing the device to be folded to various angles rather than a fixed folded position. This dynamic folding capability enables the display to remain visible and usable at different configurations, including partial folds where the display area remains accessible.
3Adaptability or versatility
If hinge plates are arranged in offset rows with partial overlap, then flexibility in folding/unfolding adjustment is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly uses multiple discrete hinge plates connected by pivot rods, allowing independent adjustment of each connection point. This segmentation enables flexible tuning of folding characteristics by modifying individual plate positions or pivot rod locations without redesigning the entire hinge structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized hinge plate and pivot rod components can be configured in different arrangements to achieve various folding angles and characteristics. The same basic components serve multiple functions by changing their spatial arrangement, providing adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A hinge assembly (1) comprising a first row (2) of hinge plates (3a), a second row (4) of hinge plates (3b) being offset in relation to the first row (2) of hinge plates (3a) such that a hinge plate (3b) of the second row (4) partially overlaps a hinge plate (3a) of the first row (2), and a support rod (5a, 5b). Each support rod (5a, 5b) passes through a hinge plate (3a, 3b) of one row and borders a neighboring hinge plate (3b, 3a) of another row, so that the neighboring hinge plate (3b, 3a) can fold around the support rod (5a, 5b). The hinge assembly (1) has as small outer dimensions as possible, while still providing a range of movement which allows a wide range of movement as well as provides support for any component extending across the hinge assembly (1).