Flexible Display Hinge Module for Stable Fold Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
In foldable or rollable electronic devices, securing mechanical stability and maintaining the folded or unfolded position of flexible displays is challenging, especially when structures move relative to each other, affecting both portability and stable operation.
Innovation Solution
A foldable electronic device with a hinge module that allows symmetrical pivoting of multiple housings, distributing load evenly across the flexible display and using detent hinges for stable angular positioning, providing a detent feeling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible display is integrated into a wearable device, then adaptability and comfort are improved, but durability and reliability deteriorate due to frequent bending and mechanical stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating a protective film and buffer layers beneath the flexible display before mechanical stress occurs. These layers absorb and distribute bending stresses, preventing damage to the display during repeated flexing operations in wearable devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible shells and thin films by using a flexible display panel with integrated protective coatings and flexible circuit boards. These thin film structures maintain display functionality while accommodating the bending requirements of wearable form factors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the display is made flexible to enable bending, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision and quality control become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the physical and chemical properties of display materials to achieve flexibility. This includes changing the substrate material composition, adjusting film thickness parameters, and modifying structural characteristics to enable bending while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining multiple layers with different properties - flexible substrates, protective coatings, buffer layers, and adhesive films. This composite structure achieves both flexibility and manufacturing robustness by leveraging the strengths of each material layer.
3Reliability
If protective measures are added to protect the flexible display during bending, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating protective functions directly into the display structure itself. The protective film, buffer layers, and flexible components are combined into a unified multi-layer assembly, eliminating the need for separate protective mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs universality by designing protective layers that serve multiple functions simultaneously - mechanical protection during bending, stress distribution, structural support, and potentially optical functions. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may comprise: a first housing; a second housing; a hinge module rotatably connecting the first housing and the second housing; and a flexible display disposed from one surface of the first housing across an area in which the hinge module is disposed to reach one surface of the second housing. The hinge module may comprise: a detent hinge accommodating at least a portion of a pair of rotating shafts and provided with a cam surface having a cam shape in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rotating shafts; a roller in contact with the cam surface and disposed to rotate in response to the cam shape; at least one elastic member having an elastic material, disposed in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rotating shafts, and configured to transmit 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 elastic member.