Flexible Display Hinge Assembly With Dynamic Bridge Support
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinge assemblies for flexible displays in computing devices fail to effectively manage stress and maintain uniform tactile feel across varying orientations, leading to potential damage and uneven user experience.
Innovation Solution
A hinge assembly with deployable bridge support and adjustable cord pathways that dynamically adjust the effective length of the device beneath the flexible display, using independent control of first and second cords to manage tension and compression forces, ensuring consistent support and symmetry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional hinge assembly is used to connect device portions, then the device can rotate between orientations, but the flexible display experiences varying stress and uneven tactile feel across different orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly dynamically adjusts the effective length of the device beneath the flexible display through deployable bridge support and adjustable cord pathways. This dynamic adjustment compensates for stress variations during rotation, maintaining consistent tactile feel and preventing damage across all orientations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the hinge assembly by introducing adjustable cord pathways that modify the effective length of the device. This parameter change allows the system to adapt stress distribution during rotation, resolving the contradiction between rotation capability and display stress.
2Ease of manufacture
If the hinge assembly structure is simplified, then manufacturing is easier, but consistent tactile feel and stress management across orientations cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is segmented into independent functional components: deployable bridge support structures and adjustable cord pathways. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall manufacturability and operational consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary elements ( cords and bridge support) that mediate between the device portions and the flexible display. These intermediaries manage stress distribution and maintain tactile consistency without requiring complex integration, balancing manufacturability with performance.
3Device complexity
If the effective length of the device beneath the flexible display is fixed, then the structure is simpler, but stress on the display varies during rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The effective length of the device beneath the flexible display is made dynamic through deployable bridge support and adjustable cord pathways. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to compensate for stress variations during rotation, maintaining consistent display stress across all orientations.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly applies preliminary counter-actions through the deployable bridge support and adjustable cords to offset stress variations before they affect the flexible display. This preliminary adjustment prevents stress concentration and maintains uniform tactile feel during rotation.
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 solution provides consistent tactile feel and reduces stress on the flexible display across different orientations, preventing damage and enhancing user interaction.
Implementation Method 1
using independent control of first and second cords to manage tension and compression forces
Implementation Method 2
using independent control of first and second cords to manage tension and compression forces
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The description relates to hinged devices. One example relates to a device that has a first portion and a second portion. The device can include a hinge assembly secured to the first portion and the second portion and a flexible display secured to the first portion and the second portion. The device can include a support member positioned between the hinge assembly and the flexible display. The hinge assembly can be configured to control a length of the device as defined by the first portion, the hinge assembly, and the second portion, based at least in part upon an orientation of the first and second portions, and configured to control a shape of the support member based at least in part upon the orientation of the first and second portions.