Rotating Shaft Body with Segmented Surfaces for Foldable Hinge Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Circular rotating shafts in foldable electronic devices cannot adequately control the rotating angle of components due to the lack of position-setting mechanisms, leading to uncontrolled folding and unfolding.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a rotating shaft body with two independent rotating surfaces and stopper parts allows for precise control of the rotating angle by enabling each component to rotate around its own surface, with stopper parts on the surfaces and a supporting surface to set positions and prevent components from falling off.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a conventional circular rotating shaft is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the rotating angle of the foldable screen cannot be adequately controlled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidrotating angle control
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The rotating shaft body is segmented into multiple functional surfaces: a first rotating surface for the first rotating component, a second rotating surface for the second rotating component, and a supporting surface. This segmentation allows each surface to independently control the rotation angle of its corresponding component, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and rotation control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different surfaces of the rotating shaft body are designed with different local qualities and functions. The first rotating surface, second rotating surface, and supporting surface each have specific geometric features and stopper parts tailored to control the rotation angles of different components, enabling precise rotation control while maintaining overall structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Device complexity

If a circular rotating shaft with smooth surface is used, then the structure is simple, but the position of the rotating component cannot be set

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure complexityVSAvoidposition setting precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The rotating shaft body is divided into multiple functional surfaces with distinct roles. Each surface (first rotating surface, second rotating surface, supporting surface) is equipped with specific stopper parts that define precise rotational positions, enabling accurate position setting without requiring additional complex position-setting components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rotating shaft body itself provides the position-setting function through its integrated stopper parts on different surfaces. The stopper parts automatically limit and define the rotational positions of the rotating components, making the system self-sufficient for position control without needing separate position-setting mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If only one rotating surface is provided, then the structure is simple, but two rotating components cannot rotate independently

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure complexityVSAvoidindependent rotation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The rotating shaft body is segmented into multiple independent rotating surfaces: a first rotating surface for the first rotating component and a second rotating surface for the second rotating component. This segmentation enables each component to rotate independently around its designated surface, providing the adaptability and versatility needed for dual-component rotation while maintaining structural integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rotating shaft body serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides a first rotating surface for one component, a second rotating surface for another component, and a supporting surface for structural support. This multi-functionality allows independent rotation of multiple components while keeping the overall structure unified and relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3817344B1Rotating shaft body and electronic device
Publication Date: 2024.07.24 VIVO MOBILE COMM CO LTD
  • EP3817344B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3817344B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3817344B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A rotating shaft body and an electronic device are provided in this disclosure. The rotating shaft body includes a first rotating surface and a second rotating surface. The first rotating surface and the second rotating surface have a common side edge. The axis of rotation of the first rotating surface and the axis of rotation of the second rotating surface are on a same side and do not overlap. The first rotating surface is provided with a first stopper part. The second rotating surface is provided with a second stopper part. The rotating shaft body further includes a supporting surface. The supporting surface is provided on a same side as the axes of rotation of the two rotating surfaces. The supporting surface is concave toward the two rotating surfaces. Two sides of the supporting surface are provided with a third stopper part and a fourth stopper part respectively.