Swing-Arm Folding Assembly for Thin Foldable Screen Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable electronic devices face challenges due to the large space occupied by the folding mechanism in the thickness direction, which hinders the design of lightweight and thin devices.
Innovation Solution
A folding assembly that includes a base, a support member, and at least two swing arms, where the swing arms are rotatably connected to the base and equipped with first and second push parts to control the movement of the support member, eliminating the need for additional components like springs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lifting/lowering plate with spring, sliding column, and fixed base is used to support the foldable screen, then the foldable screen can be properly supported in unfolded state and interference avoided in folded state, but the folding mechanism occupies large space in thickness direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lifting and lowering functions into a single swing arm component that performs both operations through its rotational movement. The swing arm integrates the functions previously requiring separate lifting/lowering plate, spring, sliding column, and fixed base into one unified mechanism, thereby reducing the thickness dimension while maintaining the support function.
Solution Approach 2:
The swing arm serves multiple functions: it supports the foldable screen in the unfolded state, avoids interference in the folded state, and provides both lifting and lowering actions through its rotation between different positions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated components for each function, reducing overall thickness.
2Ease of operation
If additional components like spring, sliding column, and fixed base are provided for lifting and lowering the support member, then the lifting and lowering function is achieved, but the structure becomes complex and occupies more space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary components (spring, sliding column, fixed base) from the traditional lifting/lowering mechanism. By removing these redundant elements and retaining only the essential swing arm that can perform lifting and lowering through its rotational movement, the structure is simplified while maintaining the required functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The swing arm performs lifting and lowering actions through its own rotational movement without requiring external spring forces or additional actuating mechanisms. The swing arm's rotation between different positions inherently provides the lifting and lowering functions, making the system self-sufficient and reducing structural complexity.
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 solution simplifies the structure, reduces the thickness dimension of the folding assembly, and minimizes the space occupied in the thickness direction, enabling the design of more compact and lightweight foldable electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
the swing arms are rotatably connected to the base to enable each swing arm to be rotatable between an unfolded position and a folded position
Implementation Method 2
the first push part abuts against the first surface to push the support member to move toward the base, and during rotation of the swing arm from the folded position to the unfolded position, the second push part abuts against the second surface to push the support member to move away from the base
Data Source
AI summary
This application provides a folding assembly, a folding apparatus, and a terminal device. The folding assembly includes a base, a support member, and at least two swing arms. Each swing arm is provided with a first push part and a second push part. The first push part and the second push part are arranged in sequence in a direction of a rotation axis of the swing arm. During rotation of the swing arm from the unfolded position to the folded position, the first push part is driven to rotate to push the support member to move toward the base. During rotation of the swing arm from the folded position to the unfolded position, the second push part is driven to rotate to push the support member to move away from the base.