Deformable Foam Hinge for Flexible Display Stress Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable information handling systems with flexible displays face stress issues due to bending, which can affect the structural integrity and durability of the displays as they are adjusted between various positions.
Innovation Solution
A 360-degree static hinge structure incorporating a hinge assembly with deformable foam, including materials like thermoplastic elastomer, thermoplastic polyurethane, and carbon nanotubes, that allows the housing portions to rotate between zero and 360 degrees while reducing stress on the flexible display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible display is used to enable bending and positioning adjustments, then the adaptability and versatility of the information handling system are improved, but the structural integrity and durability of the display deteriorate due to stress from repeated bending
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible display assembly that can bend and flex to accommodate various positioning configurations. The flexible display is integrated with a hinge assembly that includes deformable foam and spring steel sheets, allowing the display to bend smoothly while distributing mechanical stress away from the display itself, thereby maintaining both adaptability and durability
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly acts as an intermediary between the rigid housing portions and the flexible display. It includes deformable foam and spring steel sheets that absorb and distribute bending stresses, protecting the display from direct mechanical stress while enabling the required positioning adjustments
2Strength
If a rigid hinge structure is used to maintain structural stability, then the strength and reliability are improved, but the ability to accommodate bending and positioning adjustments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly uses composite materials including spring steel sheets and deformable foam. The spring steel provides structural strength and stability, while the deformable foam provides flexibility and bending capability. This composite construction allows the hinge to maintain structural integrity while accommodating positioning adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to transition between rigid and flexible states. The spring steel sheets can deform elastically under load and return to their original shape, providing both structural stability and bending capability depending on the operational state
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 deformable hinge assembly effectively manages stress on the flexible display, enhancing its structural integrity and durability by allowing directional deformation and incorporating additional components like magnets and sensors for improved functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable foam, the first hinge, the second hinge, and the deformable foam may allow the hinge assembly to bend when the first housing portion is rotated in relation to the second housing portion
Implementation Method 2
each of the first hinge and the second hinge may include one or more of a spring steel sheet and a fiber including the deformable foam coupled between the first housing portion and the second housing portion. Each of the first hinge and the second hinge may be allowed to deform to allow the hinge assembly to bend
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for rotationally coupling housing portions of an information handling system. An information handling system may include a housing having a first housing portion and a second housing portion. The information handling system may also include a hinge assembly coupling the first housing portion and the second housing portion, the hinge assembly including a first hinge, a second hinge, and a deformable foam, the first hinge, the second hinge, and the deformable foam may allow the hinge assembly to bend when the first housing portion is rotated in relation to the second housing portion. In addition, the information handling system may include a flexible display coupled to the first housing portion and the second housing portion, the flexible display to be placed over the first housing portion, the second housing portion, and the hinge assembly and configured to bend when the hinge assembly bends.