Flexible Display Hinge Locking Structure to Prevent Screen Wrinkles
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing hinge structures for flexible displays in mobile terminals are complex, leading to increased production costs and potential damage to the flexible screen due to wrinkles or bends, and do not provide an optimal visual experience with segmented display surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A hinge element with connection holes featuring a first and second locking hole, connected by a deformable protrusion, allowing the connecting clevis pin to switch between locking positions, ensuring a shorter total length in the unfolded state and preventing length redundancy, which reduces stress on the flexible screen and simplifies manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex hinge structure is used to support flexible display, then the display functionality is achieved, but production costs increase and the flexible screen may be damaged by wrinkles or bends
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge structure is divided into multiple hinge elements (first hinge element, second hinge element, etc.) that can independently rotate relative to each other. Each hinge element contains connection holes with locking mechanisms, allowing the hinge to be segmented into modular units that simplify the overall structure while maintaining functionality and reducing stress on the flexible screen.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge incorporates a dynamic locking mechanism where connection holes contain protrusions that can switch between locked and unlocked states. This allows the hinge to dynamically adjust its rigidity - locked when stationary for stability, unlocked when transitioning to allow smooth movement without creasing the flexible screen.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the hinge is designed to maintain fixed length in unfolded state, then structural stability is achieved, but the flexible screen may still experience stress concentration
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge utilizes parameter changes in the locking mechanism - specifically, the protrusions in connection holes can change their engagement state with the clevis pin. When locked, the hinge maintains fixed length; when unlocked during transition, the hinge allows controlled movement that distributes stress evenly across the flexible screen without concentration points.
3Reliability
If traditional hinge locking mechanisms are used, then reliable locking is achieved, but the structure becomes complex and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed as a self-service system where the protrusions in the connection holes automatically engage with the clevis pin through elastic deformation. The rubber material of the protrusions provides self-locking capability without requiring additional locking components, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining reliable locking during both bent and unfolded states.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism utilizes parameter changes in the rubber material's elastic properties. The protrusions can elastically deform to allow the clevis pin to pass through during transitions, then return to their original shape to provide reliable locking. This eliminates complex mechanical locks while maintaining locking reliability.
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 proposed hinge design reduces production costs, minimizes the risk of damage to the flexible screen by eliminating wrinkles and bends, and provides a smoother transition between states, enhancing user experience with a larger, unsegmented display surface.
Implementation Method 1
a communicating position between the first locking hole and the second locking hole narrows for transition
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge element includes at least one connection hole, and the connection hole includes a first locking hole and a second locking hole that are connected to each other. A communicating position between the first locking hole and the second locking hole narrows for transition.