Flexible Display Hinge Support Plates for Service Loop Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hinged electronic devices with flexible displays face challenges in providing uniform mechanical support in the open position while preventing damage and memory issues when folded, as the flexible display can deform unevenly and develop mechanical memory when folded.
Innovation Solution
A hinge mechanism with support plates that pivot about a cam, providing mechanical support when the device is open and allowing the flexible display to form a service loop when closed, which prevents damage and memory issues by creating a cavity for the display to bend into a teardrop shape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the flexible display is supported rigidly when closed, then the display is protected from damage, but the display cannot form a service loop and will develop mechanical memory
Solution Approach 1:
The support plate is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to adapt its position based on the device state. When the device is open, the support plate provides rigid support; when closed, it allows the display to form a service loop by moving out of the way, thus resolving the contradiction between protection and flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The support plate acts as an intermediary element between the display and the housing. It mediates the interaction by providing support when needed and yielding when the display needs to flex, preventing direct contact that would cause damage or memory issues
2Volume of moving object
If the flexible display is allowed to fold freely, then the device can be compact when closed, but the display will deform unevenly and develop mechanical memory
Solution Approach 1:
The support plate serves as a mediator that guides the folding motion of the display. It ensures uniform deformation by providing controlled support during the folding process, preventing uneven stress distribution that would lead to mechanical memory
Solution Approach 2:
The support plate changes its positional parameter dynamically - it is positioned to provide support during opening/closing operations and then moves to allow uniform folding. This parameter change enables the display to maintain compositional stability while achieving compactness
3Stability of the object's composition
If support is provided across the entire display, then uniform support is achieved, but the display cannot form a service loop when folded
Solution Approach 1:
The support plate transitions from a static full-support structure to a dynamic localized-support structure. It moves to provide support only where needed during operation, allowing the rest of the display to form a service loop when folded, thus achieving both uniform support and folding capability
Solution Approach 2:
The support function is segmented - the support plate provides support only to specific portions of the display at specific times, rather than continuous full support. This segmentation allows different regions of the display to have different functional requirements met, enabling both uniform support and service loop formation
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a first device housing and a second device housing. Each can optionally define a linear recess. A hinge couples the first device housing to the second device housing. The first device housing is pivotable about the hinge relative to the second device housing. A flexible display is situated in the linear recess, where included, and spans the hinge. The hinge includes a cam, a first support plate pivotally coupled to a first side of the cam, and a second support plate pivotally coupled to a second side of the cam. The first support plate, the cam, and the second support plate bridge the linear recess of each device housing when the electronic device is in an axially displaced open position, but define boundaries within which the flexible display defines a service loop when the electronic device is in a closed position.