Curved Guide Shaft for Foldable Display Hinge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile terminals with flexible displays face challenges in maintaining the display's integrity and usability when folded, as conventional designs can lead to display damage and limited functionality in compact states due to structural limitations.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a unique curved portion in the guide shaft of the hinge assembly allows for a flexible display to be guided into an escape region, enabling the display to be partially uncovered and maintained in a stable state, even when the terminal is folded, using a combination of curved portions, sliding magnets, and a flexible cable to manage the display's movement and support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the flexible display is folded into a compact state, then the device portability is improved, but the display integrity and usability deteriorate due to structural limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The guide shaft incorporates curved portions that guide the flexible display through controlled curvature transitions during folding. The curved portions ensure the display bends along a predetermined path with appropriate radius, preventing creasing and damage while enabling compact folding states.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide shaft acts as an intermediary component between the flexible display and the hinge assembly. It mediates the folding motion by constraining the display to move along a specific trajectory defined by the curved portions, protecting the display from direct stress and misalignment.
2Volume of moving object
If the flexible display is completely folded, then the device compactness is improved, but the display functionality deteriorates due to limited exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly enables dynamic adjustment of the display exposure state. The flexible display can transition between fully folded, partially folded, and fully unfolded states, allowing the device to adapt between compact storage mode and functional display mode based on user needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The display is folded only to the extent necessary for compactness rather than complete folding. The curved portions and hinge design allow partial folding states where the display remains partially exposed and functional, providing a balance between compactness and usability.
3Device complexity
If conventional hinge structures are used, then the device simplicity is maintained, but the flexible display movement control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The guide shaft is segmented into multiple curved portions (first, second, and third curved portions) that independently control different stages of the folding motion. Each curved portion manages a specific phase of display movement, ensuring precise control throughout the entire folding sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide shaft incorporates curved portions that guide the flexible display through controlled curvature transitions during folding. The curved portions ensure the display bends along a predetermined path with appropriate radius, preventing creasing and damage while enabling compact folding states.
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 allows for the display to be safely folded and partially exposed, maintaining functionality and preventing damage, while enabling efficient state changes and energy management by selectively activating display regions, thus enhancing user experience and device durability.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sliding magnet magnetically attached to a contact region positioned in at least another region of the back cover
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(c)
Figure 3
AI summary
Disclosed is a mobile terminal. A mobile terminal of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a body configured as a plurality of bodies, the plurality of bodies disposed in a certain state between a first state in which the plurality of bodies are flat and a second state in which the plurality of bodies are folded; a flexible display disposed on one surface of the bodies; a back cover disposed on the other surface of the bodies; and a hinge assembly having a guide shaft coupled to the plurality of bodies, wherein the guide shaft has at least one curvature that is different from at least another curvature thereof. According to the present invention, inherent curved portions of the present invention can be introduced to the guide shaft so as to be capable of guiding the movement of a flexible display.