Triple-Fold Connector Prevents Hinge Damage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable electronic devices with a two-fold structure struggle to meet diverse user requirements, such as increasing display area, due to structural limitations. Additionally, multi-fold structures like triple-fold designs have complex moving mechanisms that are prone to damage if the user employs an improper folding sequence, affecting the device's service life.
Innovation Solution
A foldable electronic device with a triple-fold structure is designed, incorporating a specific connection apparatus to ensure smooth movement of the folding assembly. This connection apparatus requires the device to be folded in a specific sequence, reducing the risk of damage to the folding assembly and enhancing the device's reliability and service life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-fold structure like triple-fold is used to increase display area and meet diversified user requirements, then the display area and adaptability are improved, but the moving mechanism becomes complex and more prone to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed to automatically engage with the second hinge assembly when the first housing and second housing are in the open state, preventing the second housing and third housing from being folded before the first fold is completed. This preliminary protective action ensures that the complex multi-fold mechanism can only be operated in the correct sequence, reducing the risk of damage while maintaining the adapted triple-fold structure
2Area of moving object
If a multi-fold structure is used to increase display area, then the display area is improved, but the risk of damage to the folding assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector automatically performs a preliminary protective action by engaging with the second hinge assembly when the first housing and second housing are open, preventing improper folding operations before they can occur. This ensures the triple-fold structure maintains high reliability while providing increased display area
Solution Approach 2:
The connector acts as an intermediary protective element between the first hinge assembly and the second hinge assembly. It mediates the interaction between different folding sections, ensuring that the complex multi-fold mechanism operates reliably by preventing damage from improper sequencing
3Reliability
If a connector is added to control folding sequence, then the reliability of the folding assembly is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the folding state of the device, without requiring external control systems or additional active components. The connector self-regulates the folding sequence through its mechanical design, improving reliability while minimizing the increase in device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
The electronic device has a triple-fold structure and includes a connector. When a first housing and a second housing are in an open state, and the second housing and a third housing are in an open state, a second end of the connector is connected between the second housing and a second moving member of a second hinge assembly, to prevent the second housing and the third housing from being folded relative to the second hinge assembly. When the second housing and the third housing are in the open state, and the first housing and the second housing are folded relative to each other from the open state to a first closed state, the second end of the connector moves in a direction away from the second hinge assembly, so that the second housing and the third housing are capable of being folded relative to the second hinge assembly.