Shaftless Flip-Fold Terminal Using Alternating Bands
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable devices in existing technologies have a crude appearance, high production costs, large overall thickness, and a monotonous folding and flipping mode due to the use of rotation shafts and hinges, which are difficult to manufacture and limit design flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A shaftless foldable screen terminal design using first and second flipping bands to connect sub-parts, allowing for flexible flipping and folding on both sides, reducing manufacturing complexity and production costs, and enabling a variety of folding modes without protruding shapes or extra thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rotation shaft and hinge mechanism are used to connect sub-parts, then the foldable device can achieve folding and flipping functions, but the gap at the joint becomes large and the appearance becomes crude
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the rotation shaft and hinge mechanism from the foldable device structure. Instead of using a centralized rotational joint, the device uses flexible connection methods without protruding shafts, thereby eliminating the large gap at the joint and achieving a sleek, gapless appearance while preserving folding and flipping functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible connection structures that allow the sub-parts to fold and flip without requiring rigid rotation shafts. The flexible connection enables smooth movement while maintaining a thin, integrated appearance, eliminating the need for visible hinges or shafts at the joint.
2Ease of operation
If a rotation shaft and hinge mechanism are used to connect sub-parts, then the foldable device can achieve folding and flipping functions, but the overall thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the rotation shaft and hinge mechanism that occupy significant thickness space. By eliminating these bulky mechanical components, the device achieves a thinner overall profile while maintaining the ability to fold and flip through alternative flexible connection methods.
3Ease of operation
If a rotation shaft and hinge mechanism are used to connect sub-parts, then the foldable device can achieve folding and flipping functions, but the manufacturing complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex rotation shaft and hinge mechanism from the design. This extraction of complicated mechanical components significantly reduces manufacturing complexity and production cost, as the simplified structure requires fewer precision-machined parts and assembly steps while still achieving the desired folding and flipping functionality.
4Ease of operation
If a rotation shaft and hinge mechanism are used to connect sub-parts, then the foldable device can achieve folding and flipping functions, but the folding and flipping can only be performed at the position of the rotation shaft, leading to a monotonous product operating mode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal flexible connection structure that enables folding and flipping operations at multiple positions and in multiple directions, rather than being constrained to a single rotation shaft location. This multi-functional design allows the device to be folded and flipped freely, providing diverse operating modes and enhancing product versatility.
Data Source
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AI summary
A terminal is provided, including: a first sub-part, a second sub-part, at least two first flipping bands and at least one second flipping band. A first end of the first band is attached to a first lengthwise edge of a screen of first sub-part, a second end of the first band is attached to a second lengthwise edge of a screen of second sub-part. A first end of the second band is attached to a first lengthwise edge of the screen of second sub-part, a second end of the second band is attached to a second lengthwise edge of the screen of first sub-part. The bands are alternately arranged. When the terminal is unfolded, the screens of the sub-parts are coplanar, the first band fits onto an outer surface of the first or second sub-part, and the second band fits onto an outer surface of the second or first sub-part.