Dual-Direction Hinge Structure for Flexible Display Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinge structures for mobile communication terminals with flexible displays do not effectively manage the folding and unfolding of flexible display panels, potentially damaging the screen when folded, and fail to provide a seamless transition between visible and invisible display modes.
Innovation Solution
A hinge structure with upper and lower panels connected to a central joint, featuring tilting elastic modules and a push member with elastic force application, allowing the flexible display to be folded inward and outward while preventing damage and enabling semi-automatic unfolding and tight stretching of the display panel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the flexible display panel is folded in conventional hinge structures, then the terminal achieves compact form factor, but the display panel may be damaged due to improper folding management
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge structure employs dynamic control mechanisms including tilting elastic modules and push members that actively manage the folding process. The elastic modules provide adaptive resistance and control the unfolding motion, ensuring the display panel is always managed properly during transitions between folded and unfolded states, thus preventing damage while achieving compact form.
2Ease of operation
If the display panel is made visible outside when folded, then user interaction is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge structure is designed to perform multiple functions: it manages the folding motion, controls the display visibility state, and provides structural support. The upper and lower panels with joints and sliders work together to enable both the mechanical folding action and the display positioning function, reducing the need for separate components and thereby managing complexity while improving user interaction.
3Reliability
If elastic modules are added to control folding, then display panel protection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic modules are integrated within the existing hinge structure components. The tilting elastic modules are incorporated into the joint mechanisms, and the push members are combined with the slider systems. This merging approach allows the elastic protection function to be achieved without adding separate, independent mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
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 hinge structure ensures the flexible display panel is protected from damage during folding and unfolding, allows for adjustable angles, and maintains a tight, visible, or invisible display configuration, enhancing user experience and durability.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic force may be applied thereto in a direction in which the push member is compressed by an elastic member (49)
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge structure for a mobile communication terminal that is foldable in two opposite directions is provided. The hinge structure for a mobile communication terminal having a flexible display panel installed therein is foldable inward and outward in a fully unfolded state such that the flexible display panel is disposed inside and outside and a screen on which an image such as a moving image is displayed is invisibly disposed inside or visibly disposed outside in a state in which the mobile communication terminal is folded.