Displacement-Altering Hinge for Flexible Display Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hinged electronic devices with flexible displays face challenges in providing uniform mechanical support and preventing deformation when transitioning between open and closed positions, particularly due to differences in bending length and mechanical support length, which can lead to deformations or mechanical strain.
Innovation Solution
A hinge mechanism that changes displacement between the hinge housing and device housings as the device pivots, using linking arms and plates to separate and reposition to compensate for the length difference, eliminating the need for spring-loaded plates and ensuring a stable service loop in the closed position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a hinge mechanism is used to allow pivoting between open and closed positions, then the device can transition between configurations, but the flexible display may experience deformation or mechanical strain due to differences in bending length and mechanical support length
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the displacement-altering component) between the hinge and the display assembly. This intermediary actively compensates for length differences by adjusting its own geometry or position, thereby maintaining proper tension and preventing deformation of the flexible display during pivoting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes geometric parameters of the hinge mechanism, specifically incorporating a displacement-altering component that modifies the relationship between pivot angle and linear displacement. This parameter change allows the mechanical support length to dynamically match the bending length of the flexible display across different configurations, eliminating strain and deformation.
2Reliability
If spring-loaded plates are used to maintain tension on flexible displays, then display deformation is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The displacement-altering hinge mechanism is designed to automatically compensate for length differences without requiring external tensioning mechanisms. As the device pivots, the mechanism self-adjusts its geometry to maintain proper display tension, eliminating the need for spring-loaded plates or other active tensioning components.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism performs multiple functions: it enables pivoting between configurations, maintains display tension, and compensates for length differences. By integrating the displacement-altering capability directly into the hinge, the design eliminates the need for separate spring-loaded plates, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.
3Device complexity
If the hinge housing remains at constant displacement from device housings, then mechanical support is simplified, but the flexible display experiences mechanical strain during pivoting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static hinge housing into a dynamic component that actively changes its displacement from the device housings during pivoting. The displacement-altering mechanism adjusts the hinge housing position in real-time based on the pivot angle, ensuring that the mechanical support length matches the flexible display's bending length throughout the range of motion, thereby preventing strain.
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge housing of an electronic device is coupled to a first hinge arm extending into to a first device housing a second hinge arm extending into a second device housing. The first hinge arm has a first pin extending from a terminal edge of the first hinge arm that engages a first slot defined by a first plate fixedly coupled to the first device housing. The second hinge arm has a second pin extending from a terminal edge of the second hinge arm that engages a second slot defined by a second plate fixedly coupled to the second device housing. The pins translate when the first device housing and the second device housing pivot to change a displacement between the hinge housing and the device housings, as well as to separate proximal ends of the first device housing and the second device housing in the closed position.