Flexible Display Hinge Structure for Stable Folding Transitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices with foldable displays face challenges in maintaining a flat surface when transitioning between unfolded and folded positions due to the fixed display structure, requiring additional space and complicating the display's ability to rest in a fixed position.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a hinge structure and flexible display that allows the display to be manipulated between a small and large screen mode, with a hinge structure supporting variations in length to maintain a stable display configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed display structure is used, then the display can maintain a stable position, but the device cannot achieve variable screen size and requires additional space for folding mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The display structure transitions from a fixed state to a dynamic state, allowing the display to be unfolded into different configurations (e.g., book mode, tent mode, flat mode) to provide variable screen sizes without requiring additional device space. The flexible display panel can be dynamically adjusted between folded and unfolded positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The display structure is divided into multiple sections that can be independently positioned at different angles. The first and second displays can be folded relative to each other, creating multiple stable positions that provide different viewing areas and configurations, enabling variable screen size functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a foldable display structure is implemented, then variable screen size is achieved, but the display surface becomes unstable during transitions between positions
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge structure is pre-configured with specific geometric relationships and support elements that automatically stabilize the display at predetermined positions. The support portion and connection portions are designed to engage at specific angles, ensuring the display surface becomes stable before the user completes the folding or unfolding action.
Solution Approach 2:
A hinge structure with a support portion acts as an intermediary between the first and second displays. This intermediate component provides mechanical support and maintains the relative position between display sections, ensuring stability during transitions and at folded positions.
3Volume of moving object
If the display is designed to be compact for portability, then the device can be easily carried, but the display area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The display structure dynamically expands from a compact folded state to a larger unfolded state. When carried, the device remains compact with the display folded. When in use, the display can be unfolded to provide a larger display area, achieving both portability and large screen functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The display structure allows one display section to be nested within or alongside another section when folded, creating a compact configuration for portability. When unfolded, the nested sections expand to provide a larger total display area, similar to how nested dolls can be compact or expanded.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an electronic device comprising: a flexible display; a housing accommodating the flexible display, the housing including a first housing and a second housing; a hinge structure configured to rotatably couple the first housing and the second housing and configured to facilitate folding and/or unfolding of the electronic device; and a flexible printed circuit board, FPCB, wherein the FPCB includes a first portion coupled to the first housing, a second portion coupled to the second housing, a third portion coupled to a center bar of the hinge structure, a fourth portion positioned between the first portion and the third portion, and a fifth portion positioned between the second portion and the third portion, and wherein the fourth portion and the fifth portion are deformable according to the folding of the flexible display.