Sliding Rotary Hinge Assembly for Concealed Foldable Terminals

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Solution Overview

Problem

In foldable mobile terminals, the exposure of a rotation shaft compromises user handling and appearance performance due to increased overall size and visibility.

Innovation Solution

A rotation connection component comprising a first base, a second base, and a connection clamp that allows for rotational connection between the two bases, enabling the foldable mobile terminal to switch between unfolded and folded states without exposing the rotation shaft, utilizing a guide rail and locking mechanisms for stability and secure sliding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a rotation shaft is used to connect two folding portions, then the mobile terminal can be folded to reduce size, but the rotation shaft is exposed which affects appearance performance and user handling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverall sizeVSAvoidappearance performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The connection clamp is nested within the first base and second base structures. The clamp's connecting portion fits into凹槽 (recesses) formed by the guide rails on both bases, allowing the rotation mechanism to be concealed within the overall structure rather than exposed externally, thus improving appearance while maintaining folding functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Volume of moving object

If a rotation shaft is used to connect two folding portions, then the mobile terminal can be folded to reduce size, but the exposed rotation shaft affects user holding comfort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverall sizeVSAvoiduser handling
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection clamp and rotation mechanism are nested within the base structures, eliminating exposed mechanical parts that could interfere with user grip. The entire rotation assembly is concealed within the housing contours, providing a smooth surface for comfortable holding

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Shape

If a connection clamp with sliding mechanism is used, then the rotation shaft can be concealed, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveappearance performanceVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection clamp integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides rotational connection between bases, incorporates sliding movement along guide rails, includes locking capability through limiting blocks, and conceals the rotation mechanism. This merging reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall structure despite the enhanced functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Stability of the object's composition

If guide rails and locking mechanisms are added to the connection clamp, then structural stability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide rails are integrated directly onto the surfaces of the first and second bases, eliminating the need for separate guide structures. The limiting blocks are incorporated as integral features of the connection clamp, providing automatic mechanical stopping without additional locking mechanisms. This integration maintains stability while minimizing structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3890283B1Rotary connection assembly and folding mobile terminal
Publication Date: 2023.07.26 VIVO MOBILE COMM CO LTD
  • EP3890283B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3890283B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3890283B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Disclosed in the present invention is a rotary connection assembly, comprising: a first base, a second base, and a connection support, wherein the second base is rotatably connected to the first base by means of the connection support; the connection support is slidably connected to the first base; the rotary connection assembly has an unfolding state and a folding state; under the folding state, the connection support slides into the first base; and under the unfolding state, at least part of the connection support slides from the first base, and the second base rotates for a preset angle with respect to the first base.