Worm Gear Synchronization Mechanism for Thin Foldable Terminal Hinges
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing synchronization mechanisms in foldable terminals, which rely on gears for synchronous rotation, result in an excessively large thickness, hindering the light and thin design due to the large radial size of the gears.
Innovation Solution
A synchronization mechanism utilizing a worm, a worm gear, and a second worm as a transmission mechanism between rotating components, where the axial direction of the worm gear and the radial direction of the worms align with the thickness direction, allowing for synchronous rotation while minimizing the thickness of the terminal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If four gears are used for synchronous rotation, then the synchronous rotation function is achieved, but the thickness of the body becomes relatively large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional four-gear mechanical transmission system with a worm gear mechanism. Specifically, it uses one worm gear and two worms that mesh with the worm gear, where the worms are parallel to each other. This substitution fundamentally changes the mechanical transmission approach, allowing the rotating components to rotate synchronously while significantly reducing the radial size and thickness of the body structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement of the transmission components. Instead of using gears with radial extensions that increase thickness, the worm gear mechanism utilizes an axial arrangement where the worms mesh with the worm gear teeth. This dimensional reconfiguration allows the transmission mechanism to fit within a much thinner profile, as the force transmission occurs through the axial engagement of worm teeth rather than radial gear engagement.
2Reliability
If gears with large radial sizes are mounted, then the synchronous rotation is achieved, but the light and thin design is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional four-gear mechanical transmission system with a worm gear mechanism. Specifically, it uses one worm gear and two worms that mesh with the worm gear, where the worms are parallel to each other. This substitution fundamentally changes the mechanical transmission approach, allowing the rotating components to rotate synchronously while significantly reducing the radial size and thickness of the body structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the transmission mechanism. By using a worm gear with a smaller radial footprint and worms that engage axially, the overall dimensions of the transmission system are reduced. This parameter change directly impacts the weight and thickness of the body, enabling a lighter and thinner design while maintaining the synchronous rotation function.
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
This solution enables synchronous rotation of the terminal components while maintaining a slim profile, enhancing the light and thin design of foldable terminals by reducing the overall thickness and improving the handfeel experience with controlled spiral angles to prevent self-locking.
Implementation Method 1
a first worm, a worm gear, and a second worm as a transmission mechanism between a first rotating component and a second rotating component
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a synchronization mechanism and a foldable terminal. In the synchronization mechanism, a first rotating component and a second rotating component are in transmission connection by using a first worm, a worm gear, and a second worm that are sequentially meshed, thereby implementing the synchronous rotation of the first rotating component and the second rotating component relative to a base. In addition, when the synchronization mechanism is applied to the foldable terminal, since an axial direction of the worm gear and a radial direction of the first worm and the second worm are consistent with a thickness direction of the body, and an axial size of the worm gear and radial sizes of the first worm and the second worm are relatively small, which is conducive to the light and thin design of the foldable terminal.