Flexible Display Hinge Mechanism for 180-Degree Folding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of flexible displays in electronic devices, such as smartphones and tablets, poses additional demands on the enclosure, requiring innovative mechanisms to securely mount and fold these devices while protecting the display in both open and closed states.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device employs a hinge mechanism with a shaft and threaded coupling, featuring a groove and pin configuration, allowing the flexible display to be mounted on two body members and enabling a 180-degree fold, with a plate and arm system that facilitates relative rotation and sliding motion to support the display in both states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible display is integrated into the electronic device enclosure, then the device can be folded to enable portability and compact storage, but the structural integrity and protection of the display during folding and in both open and closed states become compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic hinge mechanism with movable body members that can transition between open and closed states. The hinge assembly includes a shaft, arm, and plate configuration that enables controlled rotation and folding motion, allowing the display to be folded without compromising its protection through static structural design alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate structural components including a hinge mechanism, body members, and mounting structures that act as mediators between the flexible display and the external environment. These intermediaries provide mechanical support and protection while enabling folding capability, resolving the contradiction between display protection and folding versatility.
2Reliability
If the flexible display is mounted to both body members, then the display is securely held in both open and closed states, but the complexity of the mounting mechanism and hinge system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it mounts the display to both body members, enables folding motion, maintains structural integrity, and secures the display in both open and closed states. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby managing complexity while achieving secure mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple mounting and support functions into an integrated hinge assembly that includes the shaft, arm, and plate components. By merging these functions into a single coordinated mechanism rather than using separate independent components, the design achieves secure display mounting while controlling overall system complexity.
3Volume of moving object
If a hinge mechanism with threaded coupling is used to enable folding, then the device achieves compact storage in closed state, but the manufacturing precision and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded coupling mechanism enables self-aligning and self-securing during assembly. The threading geometry provides inherent guidance and positioning, allowing the components to self-adjust during assembly without requiring extremely high external precision, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while achieving compact folding capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes: a processor; a memory; a first body member; a second body member; a flexible display, wherein a first portion of the flexible display is mounted to the first body member, and wherein a second portion of the flexible display is mounted to the second body member; a shaft mounted to the second body member; a hinge coupled to the first and second body members; a first arm having a first pivot with the first body member; and a threaded coupling between the first arm and the shaft.