Flexible Display Hinge Mechanism for Constant Curvature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing opening and closing devices for flexible display panels, such as organic EL panels, face issues with maintaining a consistent curvature radius and length of the bending surface during folding and unfolding, leading to potential damage and excessive force on the panel, and struggle with smooth bending and release due to interference fits in link mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising link members with arc-shaped surfaces and friction generating means between central and attaching members, allowing for smooth rotation and maintaining any opening angle from 0 to 180 degrees without hinge shafts, ensuring constant length and reduced material costs by eliminating shape-memory alloys.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a resin bellows structure is used to support the flexible display panel, then the first casing and second casing can be flexibly coupled, but the length of the bending surface fluctuates during opening and closing, causing excessive force on the panel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible display panel that can be bent into twofold while out of use and unfolded into a single plane in use. The panel is supported by link members that maintain a constant curvature radius, allowing the panel to flexibly adapt to different states without excessive force
Solution Approach 2:
The link members are designed to enable smooth bending and release of the flexible display panel. The mechanism dynamically adjusts to maintain constant curvature radius during folding and unfolding, preventing length fluctuation of the bending surface
2Stability of the object's composition
If link members are tightly fitted to generate friction force for holding opening angle, then the casings can be held at any angle, but the link members cannot smoothly slide relative to each other
Solution Approach 1:
The friction generating means are provided only at specific locations (between the central member and attaching members) rather than throughout the entire link mechanism. This localized friction application allows smooth sliding in bending direction while maintaining opening angle stability
Solution Approach 2:
The opening and closing device is divided into multiple link members (first link member, second link member, central member) with distinct functions. The friction generating means is segmented to act only where needed for angle holding, separating the functions of smooth movement and angle stabilization
3Stability of the object's composition
If shape-memory alloy reinforced beams are used to maintain shape, then the casings can be held at any opening angle, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive shape-memory alloy reinforced beams with a simpler friction-based holding mechanism. The friction generating means provides adequate angle holding capability without the need for complex shape-memory materials, reducing device complexity and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the shape-memory alloy mechanical system with a friction-based mechanical system. The friction generating means (friction members) replace the need for shape-memory reinforced beams, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining the ability to hold opening angles
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
Enables smooth bending and unfolding of flexible display panels while maintaining consistent curvature and reducing material costs, preventing panel damage and allowing for repeated use without plastic deformation limitations.
Implementation Method 1
first friction generating means provided between the first attaching member and the central member for applying a resistance force to a rotation of the central member relative to the first attaching member, and second friction generating means provided between the second attaching member and the central member for applying a resistance force to a rotation of the central member relative to the second attaching member
Data Source
AI summary
An opening and closing unit which satisfies required functions of an opening and closing unit and is able to more smoothly bend/unfold a terminal, link parts are slidable with rotation relative to an attaching member. Link parts are slidable with rotation relative to an attaching member. Central parts are provided between the link members and the link parts, with one end portion thereof being slidable relative to the link members with rotation, and other end portion thereof being slidable relative to the link parts with rotation. The friction generating portions are provided between an attaching part and central parts, and apply a resistance force against a rotation of the central members relative to the attaching part. The friction generating portions are provided between an attaching part and central parts, and apply a resistance force against a rotation of the central parts relative to the attaching part.