Foldable Display Hinge Structure for Flat Unfolding Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable devices with flexible displays face challenges in accommodating curved portions during folding, leading to potential damage and distortion when unfolded at obtuse angles, as existing solutions do not effectively support the display to maintain a flat state or reduce pressure on the flexible screen.
Innovation Solution
A foldable device design incorporating a hinge shaft system with support portions and a restriction unit that allows the flexible display to be supported flat when unfolded, includes a path difference compensating unit to manage the folding/unfolding path difference, and utilizes a connection member with bending elasticity to maintain the display's integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the flexible display is sharply bent during folding, then the device achieves a compact form factor, but the flexible display may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by introducing a curved portion with a predetermined radius of curvature in the flexible display before folding occurs. This curved portion acts as a buffer zone that prevents sharp bending of the display during the folding process, thereby protecting the display from damage while enabling compact device folding.
2Reliability
If the flexible display is folded with a predetermined curvature, then the display is protected from damage, but the device size increases due to the curved portion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nested doll principle by positioning the curved portion of the flexible display within a receiving space formed in the first body when the device is in the folded state. This nesting arrangement allows the curved portion to be accommodated without significantly increasing the overall device volume, thus protecting the display while maintaining compactness.
3Volume of moving object
If the foldable device unfolds at an obtuse angle, then the device provides a compact form, but the screen experiences distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing a support portion that proactively supports the curved portion of the flexible display when the device unfolds to an obtuse angle. This support prevents the screen from distorting before the distortion can occur, maintaining screen flatness while allowing the device to achieve a compact folded form.
4Ease of operation
If the third portion of the flexible display is allowed to move freely during folding, then the device achieves smooth folding motion, but the curved portion cannot be properly received in the folded state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a connection member that couples the curved portion of the flexible display to the first body. This connection member acts as a mediator that guides the curved portion into the receiving space during folding while maintaining smooth folding motion, thus achieving both ease of operation and proper positioning of the curved portion.
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 design ensures the flexible display remains undamaged and distortion-free during folding and unfolding, maintaining a flat state and reducing pressure on the screen, while allowing for a compact and portable form factor.
Implementation Method 1
a connection member having one end portion that is connected to a fixed position with respect to the hinge shaft and another end portion that is connected through the pulley to the rack gear and moves the rack gear when the first body and the second body fold or unfold
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable device includes a flexible display including first, second, and third portions; a body including first, second, and third support portions which respectively supports the first, second, and third portions; a hinge including a first rotation axis which connects the first support portion to the third support portion, and a second rotation axis which connects the second support portion to the third support portion; and a slot hole which is rotatably coupled with the first and second rotation axes, and which moves the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis when the first support portion and the second support portion rotate with respect to the third support portion. The first and second rotation axes allow the first and second support portions to rotate with respect to the third support portion when the flexible display changes from an open state to a closed state.