Flexible Display Frame Translation Mechanism for 360° Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable computing devices with flexible displays are limited in their ability to fold into a back-to-back orientation due to hinge designs that exert tensile stresses on the display substrate, potentially damaging it.
Innovation Solution
A translation mechanism with a cam, cam follower, and multiplier lever system that minimizes tensile stresses by allowing 360-degree rotation and translation of display-supporting frames relative to the spine, using a camming surface that decreases in radius to facilitate smooth folding without damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional hinge design is used to fold the display, then the device can be folded, but tensile stresses are exerted on the flexible display substrate that may damage it
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism is divided into multiple components: a first segment (display-supporting frame with flexible display), a second segment (counterweight structure), and a cam mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the cam converts rotational motion into translational motion to minimize tensile stress on the flexible display during folding.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism acts as an intermediary between the rotating display frame and the counterweight structure. It mediates the folding motion by converting pure rotation into a combination of rotation and translation, thereby reducing the tensile stress transmitted to the flexible display substrate.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the display frame rotates 360 degrees, then full folding range is achieved, but stress concentration occurs on the flexible display
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism dynamically adjusts the motion path of the display frame during rotation. As the frame rotates through 360 degrees, the cam mechanism dynamically converts rotational motion into translational motion, ensuring that the flexible display undergoes a combination of movements that minimize stress concentration while achieving full rotation range.
3Ease of operation
If a counterweight structure is added to balance the hinge, then folding smoothness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The counterweight structure is merged with the cam mechanism and the display frame into a single integrated assembly. The counterweight is positioned on the same support structure as the cam, and both work together to provide balanced folding motion. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall hinge structure while maintaining folding smoothness.
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
Enables full 360-degree rotation of display-supporting frames while minimizing tensile and compressive stresses on the flexible display substrate, allowing for seamless folding into various orientations without substrate damage.
Implementation Method 1
A cam comprises a shaft that extends into the spine, and a camming surface that decreases in radius from a first cam orientation to a second cam orientation. A cam follower comprises a follower surface abutting the camming surface
Implementation Method 2
A biasing element biases the cam follower toward the cam via the multiplier lever
Implementation Method 3
A multiplier lever is rotatably coupled to the support structure and comprises a multiplying surface that contacts an engagement structure affixed to the first display-supporting frame
Data Source
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AI summary
A computing device includes a flexible display and a translation mechanism for translating a display-supporting frame relative to a spine of the computing device. The translation mechanism comprises a support structure rotatably coupled to the spine, with the display-supporting frame moveably coupled to the support structure. A cam comprises a camming surface that decreases in radius from a first cam orientation to a second cam orientation. A multiplier lever rotatably coupled to the support structure comprises a multiplying surface that contacts an engagement structure affixed to the display-supporting frame. A cam follower comprises a follower surface abutting the camming surface and an opposing contacting surface contacting the multiplier lever. A biasing element biases the cam follower toward the cam via the multiplier lever, wherein rotation of the cam causes movement of the multiplier lever that causes translation of the first display-supporting frame.