Coupling Member Hinge Mechanism for Foldable Display Structural Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current foldable electronic devices lack a durable coupling mechanism that effectively supports the flexible display panel and maintains structural integrity during folding and unfolding operations, leading to potential deformation and detachment issues.
Innovation Solution
A coupling member with a linkage part comprising first and second hinge elements and a hinge shaft, which allows the first and second connection parts to move closer or farther apart by rotating the hinge elements around the shaft, providing a durable and flexible connection between the housings while supporting the flexible display panel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a hinge member is used to connect the first body and the second body in foldable electronic devices, then the device can be folded and the size is reduced, but the coupling mechanism lacks durability and structural integrity during folding and unfolding operations
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member is divided into multiple connection parts (first connection part, second connection part, third connection part) and linkage parts with hinge elements. This segmentation allows each part to perform specific functions: connection parts attach to housings while linkage parts enable controlled movement through hinged joints, improving overall durability during folding operations
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling member incorporates linkage parts with hinge elements that enable dynamic movement between different connection parts. This dynamic structure allows the coupling mechanism to adapt to folding and unfolding motions while maintaining structural integrity, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability
2Area of moving object
If a flexible display panel is used in foldable electronic devices, then the screen size can be large when unfolded, but the display panel may deform or detach during folding and unfolding operations
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member acts as an intermediary mechanism between the first and second bodies, providing stable support for the flexible display panel during folding operations. The multiple connection parts and linkage parts work together to maintain proper spacing and alignment, preventing deformation and detachment of the display panel while enabling large screen area when unfolded
3Adaptability or versatility
If the first connection part and the second connection part are positioned far apart, then the coupling mechanism has greater flexibility for folding, but the structural integrity and stability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member employs a nested structure where linkage parts with hinge elements are integrated between connection parts. This nesting allows the mechanism to achieve both flexibility (through hinged movement enabling folding) and structural integrity (through the interconnected nested structure that distributes mechanical loads across multiple components)
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 enhances the durability and flexibility of the coupling mechanism, preventing deformation and detachment of the display panel during folding and unfolding, thereby improving the structural integrity and user experience of foldable electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
The hinge shaft pivotally couples the at least one first hinge element and the at least one second hinge element. The first connection part and the second connection part are either close to or far away from each other by rotation of at least one of the at least one first hinge element and the at least one second hinge element around the hinge shaft.
Data Source
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AI summary
A coupling member configured to couple a first housing to a second housing is provided. The coupling member includes a first connection part, a second connection part and a linkage part. The first connection part is coupled to the first housing. The second connection part is coupled to the second housing. The linkage part includes a first hinge element, a second hinge element and a hinge shaft. The first hinge element is configured to be coupled to the first connection part, the at least one second hinge element configured to be coupled to the second connection part. The first connection part and the second connection part are close to each other by rotation of at least one of the at least one first hinge element and the at least one second hinge element around the hinge shaft. A housing assembly and an electronic device are also provided.