Arcuate Hinge Assembly for Neutral-Axis Flexible Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinged devices for flexible display hinged devices employing flexible displays suffer from flexible display hinged devices suffer from flexible display hinged devices suffer from flexible display hinged devices suffer from flexible display hinged devices suffer from flexible display hinged devices suffer from undesirable stress forces, such as tension and/or compression during rotation, the flexible display is subjected to undesirable stress forces during rotation, leading to potential damage and reliability issues.
Innovation Solution
A self-adjusting arcuate hinge design that maintains the flexible display on a neutral axis during rotation, using a combination of hinge segments and a living hinge to automatically adjust its length, ensuring the display remains on a neutral axis without sliding, thereby avoiding stress forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional hinge assembly is used to rotate two device portions, then the hinge can achieve rotation between open and closed configurations, but the flexible display is subjected to undesirable stress forces (tension and/or compression) during rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is designed with an arcuate shape that conforms to the neutral axis of the flexible display during rotation. This curved geometry ensures that the hinge follows the natural bending path of the display, preventing tensile and compressive stresses by maintaining the display elements on the neutral axis throughout the rotation range.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly incorporates a living hinge that allows dynamic adjustment of the hinge length during rotation. This self-adjusting mechanism enables the hinge to expand or contract as needed to maintain the flexible display on the neutral axis, eliminating stress forces while enabling full rotation between open and closed configurations.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If mechanisms are added to allow sliding during rotation to reduce stress forces, then stress on the flexible display is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is divided into multiple hinge segments connected by living hinges. This segmentation allows each segment to rotate independently while collectively maintaining the arcuate shape, enabling the hinge to adapt its length dynamically without requiring complex sliding mechanisms or additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The living hinge provides self-adjusting functionality that automatically maintains the flexible display on the neutral axis during rotation. The hinge structure itself performs the stress-reduction function through its inherent elastic properties and geometric design, eliminating the need for external sliding mechanisms or additional control systems.
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 effectively protects the flexible display from stress forces throughout its range of rotation, maintaining reliability and preventing damage, while allowing seamless rotation between open and closed configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a living hinge to automatically adjust its length
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
The description relates to devices, such as computing devices that have hinged portions. One example can include a first portion and a second portion. The example can also include a first exoskeletal hinge segment secured to the first portion and a second exoskeletal hinge segment secured to the second portion. The first exoskeletal hinge segment can define an arcuate tab that travels in an arcuate cavity defined by the second exoskeletal hinge segment to allow relative rotation between the first and second portions.