Bidirectional Foldable Display Hinge for Low-Stress Bending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable display devices can only fold in one direction, leading to limitations in providing both in-folding and out-folding states, and suffer from damage and stress-related issues during repeated folding operations.
Innovation Solution
A bidirectional hinge structure with a mid bar, flap bars, bending couplers, and gear assemblies that allow for both in-folding and out-folding, minimizing stress and damage by shaping the folding area to reduce pressure and increase the radius of curvature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single-direction hinge structure is used, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot implement both in-folding and out-folding states
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is divided into multiple independent components: a first hinge unit for in-folding operations and a second hinge unit for out-folding operations. Each hinge unit can function independently, allowing the display device to achieve bidirectional folding capability while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly is designed as a universal structure that can perform multiple functions: it enables both in-folding and out-folding operations, supports the display panel in various configurations, and provides structural stability across different folding states. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the hinge system adaptable to diverse operational requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If repeated folding operations are performed, then the device achieves versatility in display configurations, but the display panel suffers from damage and cracks
Solution Approach 1:
A support structure is positioned beneath the display panel at the folding region to provide preemptive support during folding operations. This support structure prevents the display panel from experiencing excessive bending stress and mechanical damage, thereby maintaining panel integrity and reliability while allowing repeated folding cycles for versatile display configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure acts as an intermediary element between the hinge assembly and the display panel. It mediates the mechanical stresses generated during folding operations, distributing and reducing the stress concentration on the display panel, thus protecting the panel from damage while enabling flexible folding operations
3Volume of moving object
If the folding radius is small, then the device achieves compact folded size, but the display panel experiences excessive stress and cracking
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed with a curved surface that matches the folding radius of the display panel. This curved geometry allows the support to conform to the panel's bending path, distributing stress evenly across the folding region and preventing stress concentration that would lead to cracking, while still enabling compact folded dimensions
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 structure enables a foldable display device that can withstand repeated folding without significant damage, maintaining display panel integrity and reducing strain, thereby improving durability and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a spring member disposed at the end of the mid bar and accommodated in the gear housing
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable display device includes a display panel, a first set housing and a second set housing disposed to face each other in a first direction and respectively supporting two different portions of the display panel, and a hinge assembly disposed between the first set housing and the second set housings and for folding and unfolding the first set housing and the second set housing.