Movable Support Plate Hinge for Foldable Wire Routing Durability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices with foldable screens face a short service life due to inadequate wire arrangement management in their bent state, leading to premature wear and tear.

Innovation Solution

A hinge system with rotating assemblies and a supporting plate that actively controls the bending shape of the wire arrangement, allowing smoother movement between unfolded and folded positions, thereby extending the service life of both the wire arrangement and the device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If the wire arrangement is arranged in a bent state to provide enough length in folded state, then the wire length requirement is satisfied, but the wire arrangement experiences wear and tear reducing service life

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewire lengthVSAvoidservice life of wire arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting plate is designed to dynamically adjust its position in the thickness direction of the base through the rotating assemblies. As the hinge rotates between unfolded and folded positions, the supporting plate moves actively to maintain an optimal bending radius for the wire arrangement, transforming a static wire routing problem into a dynamic control system that adapts to different hinge states

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the bending radius parameter of the wire arrangement by moving the supporting plate in the thickness direction. This parameter adjustment ensures that the wire arrangement always bends along a smooth arc with adequate radius, preventing excessive stress and wear while maintaining sufficient wire length in the folded state

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If a simple rotating hinge structure is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the wire arrangement cannot be actively controlled leading to wear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehinge structure complexityVSAvoidservice life of wire arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting plate serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the wire arrangement, acts as a lever arm for the rotating assemblies, and functions as a movable element that actively controls the wire bending trajectory. This multi-functionality adds control capability without requiring separate dedicated components

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

Solution Approach 2:

The supporting plate acts as an intermediary element between the rotating assemblies and the wire arrangement. It translates the rotational motion of the hinge into controlled movement of the wire routing path, mediating the interaction between mechanical motion and wire stress distribution

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The hinge system improves the service life of the wire arrangement and the electronic device by ensuring a smoother bending shape, reducing wear and tear, and enhancing the overall durability and usability of foldable electronic devices.

Implementation Method 1

a first rotating assembly and a second rotating assembly, each of the first rotating assembly and the second rotating assembly being rotatably disposed on the base between an unfolded position and a folded position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotation:

Implementation Method 2

at least one of the first rotating assembly and the second rotating assembly cooperating with the supporting plate to move the supporting plate in a thickness direction of the base

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical motion:

Data Source

PatentEP4418069A1A hinge comprising a movable support plate, and an electronic device with the hinge
Publication Date: 2024.08.21 BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO LTD
  • EP4418069A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4418069A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4418069A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to the field of electronic device technologies, and more specifically, to a hinge and an electronic device with the hinge. The hinge includes: a base; a supporting plate; and a first rotating assembly and a second rotating assembly, each of the first rotating assembly and the second rotating assembly being rotatably arranged on the base between an unfolded position and a folded position, and at least one of the first rotating assembly and the second rotating assembly fitting with the supporting plate so as to move the supporting plate in a thickness direction of the base. The hinge of the present disclosure can actively control the bending shape of the wire arrangement.