Flexible Display Hinge Module for Stable Foldable Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable electronic devices with flexible displays face challenges in maintaining mechanical stability and evenly distributing loads during folding and unfolding, which can lead to concentration of stress on specific areas of the display, affecting reliability and durability.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device incorporates a hinge module with a detent hinge, cam-shaped cam surface, roller, elastic member, and detent bracket to provide a stable pivoting mechanism, allowing symmetrical movement of housings and interlocking to maintain angular positions, thereby distributing load evenly across the flexible display and providing haptic feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a foldable structure with flexible display is implemented, then portability and screen size are improved, but mechanical stability and stress distribution deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge module employs a dynamic detent mechanism with cam surfaces and rollers that adapt to different folding angles, providing variable mechanical support and stress distribution throughout the folding range, thereby maintaining reliability while enabling portability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into the hinge module: pivoting connection, detent positioning, elastic force application, and cam-shaped load distribution all in one integrated component, resolving the contradiction between compact foldable design and mechanical stability
2Adaptability or versatility
If housings are allowed to move relative to each other for folding, then flexibility is improved, but mechanical stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge module acts as an intermediary mechanism between the first and second housings, enabling controlled relative movement through cam surfaces and rollers while maintaining mechanical stability via detent positioning and elastic member support
Solution Approach 2:
The detent mechanism dynamically engages and disengages at specific folding angles, providing stability when needed (at detent positions) while allowing movement during transitions, thus resolving the contradiction between flexibility and stability
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
This solution ensures stable folding and unfolding of the device, reduces stress concentration on the display, enhances reliability and durability, and provides users with tactile feedback on the operational positions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one elastic member including an elastic material disposed in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the rotation shaft and configured to provide an elastic force to the roller
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment, an electronic device comprises: a first housing, a second housing, a hinge module pivotably connecting the first housing and the second housing, and a flexible display disposed from a surface of the first housing through an area where the hinge module is disposed to a surface of the second housing. The hinge module may include: a detent hinge at least partially receiving a pair of rotation shafts and including a cam-shaped cam surface formed in a direction perpendicular to a rotation axis of the rotation shaft, a roller contacting the cam surface and disposed to rotate corresponding to the cam shape, at least one elastic member including an elastic material formed to provide an elastic force disposed in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the rotation shaft and configured to deliver an elastic force to the roller, and a detent bracket including the pair of shafts and defining a space for receiving the roller and the at least one elastic member.