18322877. HINGE ASSEMBLY AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE INCLUDING THE SAME simplified abstract (Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.)
Contents
HINGE ASSEMBLY AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE INCLUDING THE SAME
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Daehyeong Park of Suwon-si (KR)
Chungkeun Yoo of Suwon-si (KR)
HINGE ASSEMBLY AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE INCLUDING THE SAME - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18322877 titled 'HINGE ASSEMBLY AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE INCLUDING THE SAME
Simplified Explanation
The patent application describes an electronic device with a foldable display and a hinge assembly that allows the device to be folded and unfolded. Here are the key points:
- The electronic device has a display with three areas: a first area, a second area, and a third area in between.
- The device consists of two housings: a first housing that supports the first area and a second housing that supports the second area.
- The hinge assembly connects the first housing to the second housing and enables the device to be folded and unfolded.
- The hinge assembly includes a hinge bracket, a first rotator connected to the first housing, and a second rotator connected to the second housing.
- The first and second rotators are rotatably connected to the hinge bracket based on different hinge axes.
- A slide bracket is also included, which can slide in a parallel direction to the hinge axes by interacting with the rotations of the first and second rotators.
- A detent assembly is provided to resist the movement of the slide bracket in the parallel direction, providing a detent force.
Potential applications of this technology:
- Foldable smartphones or tablets with larger displays that can be easily folded for portability.
- Foldable laptops or notebooks that offer a compact form factor when folded and a larger screen area when unfolded.
- Foldable e-readers or digital notepads that provide a flexible and versatile reading or writing experience.
Problems solved by this technology:
- Enables the creation of electronic devices with foldable displays, addressing the need for compactness and portability without sacrificing screen size.
- Provides a robust and reliable hinge assembly that allows for smooth folding and unfolding of the device.
- Offers a detent force mechanism to prevent accidental movement or folding of the device when in use.
Benefits of this technology:
- Increased screen real estate without compromising portability.
- Versatile usage scenarios, allowing users to switch between a compact and expanded display as needed.
- Enhanced durability and longevity of the hinge assembly, ensuring long-term usability of the device.
Original Abstract Submitted
An electronic device may include a display including a first area, a second area, and a third area between at least the first area and the second area, a first housing configured to support the first area, a second housing configured to support the second area, and a hinge assembly configured to connect the first housing to the second housing and operate between a folded state in which the first area and the second area face each other and an unfolded state in which the first area and the second area are open. The hinge assembly may include a hinge bracket, a first rotator connected to the first housing and rotatably connected to the hinge bracket based on a first hinge axis, a second rotator connected to the second housing and rotatably connected to the hinge bracket based on a second hinge axis, a slide bracket slidably connected in a first axis direction parallel with the first hinge axis or the second hinge axis by interoperating with rotations of the first rotator and the second rotator, and a detent assembly configured to provide a detent force resisting movement of the slide bracket in the first axis direction.
