Sliding Screens Cover Hinge Gaps in Foldable Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices with two screens suffer from a separation distance issue when unfolded, leading to a poor viewing experience and an unsightly exposure of hinge modules, hindering seamless display and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates sliding screens where the first and second screens can move relative to each other and the hinge modules, allowing them to be brought close together to minimize separation distance and cover the hinge modules when unfolded, enabling a seamless display and improved aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hinge modules are installed between the two screens to enable relative turning, then the screens can be folded and unfolded, but a separation distance is created between the screens when unfolded, resulting in poor viewing effect and exposed hinge modules
Solution Approach 1:
The screen is nested within the body structure, with the screen capable of sliding relative to the body. When unfolded, the screen slides to cover the hinge modules, achieving a seamless appearance. This nesting approach allows the screen to both enable folding functionality and eliminate the separation distance issue by integrating the screen movement with the body structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The screen is designed to be dynamically movable relative to the body through a sliding mechanism. Instead of being fixed, the screen can slide along a guide structure to adjust its position. When the device is unfolded, the screen automatically slides forward to cover the hinge modules, eliminating the static separation gap and achieving a dynamic seamless display effect.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hinge modules are installed between the two screens, then the screens can be turned relative to each other, but the hinge modules are exposed between the screens when unfolded, making the device unsightly
Solution Approach 1:
The screen is nested within the body structure with sliding capability. When unfolded, the screen slides forward to cover the hinge modules, achieving a seamless appearance. This nesting approach allows the screen to both enable folding functionality and eliminate the separation distance issue by integrating the screen movement with the body structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge modules are extracted from the visible area by positioning them behind the screen. The screen acts as a cover that can be moved to conceal the hinge modules when in unfolded position, effectively removing the aesthetic issue of exposed hinges while preserving the folding mechanism functionality.
3Volume of moving object
If two screens are used to expand display range and replace physical keyboard, then device thickness is reduced, but separation distance between screens prevents continuous display effect
Solution Approach 1:
The screen is designed to be dynamically movable relative to the body through a sliding mechanism. Instead of being fixed, the screen can slide along a guide structure to adjust its position. When the device is unfolded, the screen automatically slides forward to cover the hinge modules, eliminating the static separation gap and achieving a dynamic seamless display effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution addresses the separation distance issue by introducing movement in an additional dimension. The screen not only rotates with the body but also translates along the surface of the body in a sliding motion. This dimensional change allows the screen to compensate for the gap created by folding, achieving continuous display across the hinge area.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device with sliding screens including a first body, a second body, a plurality of hinge modules, a first screen and a second screen is provided. The first body has a first surface. The second body has a second surface. The hinge modules are connected between the first body and the second body. The first screen is slidably disposed on the first surface of the first body. The second screen is slidably disposed on the second surface of the second body. When the first body and the second body are unfolded to a first angle relative to each other, the first screen and the second screen are moved relatively close and lifted upwards. When the first body and the second body are unfolded to a second angle relative to each other, the first screen and the second screen are in contact with each other to cover the hinge modules.