Flexible Display Hinge Mechanism With Sliding Bending Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hinge mechanisms for flexible electronic devices with flexible displays lack adequate receiving space for the bending portion when folded, potentially causing damage to the display.
Innovation Solution
The proposed hinge mechanism includes a support mechanism with first and second substrate units, inner and outer guiding members, and movable members that allow for upward movement, creating a leeway space between the inboard end edges to receive the bending portion of the flexible display, thereby preventing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the hinge mechanism uses a compact design without additional receiving space, then the device structure is simpler and smaller, but the flexible display cannot be properly received when folded, causing damage to the display
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism employs movable members that can dynamically adjust their positions along guiding members. During folding operation, the movable members slide to create variable receiving space, transitioning from a compact state to an expanded state that accommodates the bent flexible display, thus resolving the contradiction between compact size and display protection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a sliding dimension along the guiding members, allowing the movable members to move in a direction perpendicular to the main folding axis. This additional degree of freedom creates three-dimensional receiving space within the hinge mechanism, enabling compact overall structure while providing sufficient internal volume for display protection during folding
2Reliability
If the hinge mechanism provides adequate receiving space for the bending portion, then the flexible display is protected from damage, but the device structure becomes more complex and larger
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism is divided into distinct functional components: guiding members that provide motion constraints and movable members that create the receiving space. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, reducing overall structural complexity while ensuring reliable display protection through the coordinated action of these simplified individual elements
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding members act as intermediaries that constrain and guide the motion of the movable members. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the overall structure by using straightforward sliding guides rather than complex linkages or mechanisms, while still achieving the desired effect of creating adequate receiving space for flexible display protection
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge mechanism includes first and second inner guiding members secured on a base seat, and first and second movable members slidable engaged with the first and second inner guiding members and connected with first and second substrate units. During the movement of the movable members to an upright folded state, inboard end edges of the substrate units are moved away from each other to provide a bending space therebetween for a flexible display attached to the substrate units to be bendably received therein.