Flexible Display Hinge Structure for Stable Folding Motion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional flexible display panels with hinge mechanisms suffer from structural complexity and instability during folding due to the use of a hinge mechanism that is prone to shaking, leading to unstable movement.

Innovation Solution

A flexible display panel design featuring a hinge with a fixing bracket, supporting mechanism, rotating mechanism, and positioning mechanism, including multiple fixing members and elastic members, to stabilize the folding process and enhance structural integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional hinge mechanism is used to enable folding of the flexible screen, then the folding function is achieved, but the structure becomes complicated and the layout becomes dispersed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefolding functionVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the hinge mechanism within the housing structure, merging the folding function with the existing device framework. The hinge is positioned in the middle of the housing and connects the first and second housings, consolidating multiple functions into a unified structure rather than adding a separate, dispersed hinge assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge mechanism serves multiple functions: it enables folding, provides structural support between housings, and acts as a pivot point for the flexible display. This multi-functional design reduces the need for additional specialized components, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional hinge mechanism is used to enable folding of the flexible screen, then the folding function is achieved, but the hinge mechanism becomes easy to shake during folding

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefolding functionVSAvoidhinge stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic member (spring) is introduced to provide a counteracting force that stabilizes the hinge during folding operations. The spring absorbs shocks and reduces shaking by providing elastic resistance to sudden movements, balancing the forces acting on the hinge mechanism during the folding process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic member is pre-installed in the hinge mechanism to provide cushioning before shaking occurs. This beforehand cushioning absorbs potential shocks and stabilizes the hinge during folding, preventing excessive movement and maintaining structural integrity throughout the folding operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional hinge mechanism is used to enable folding of the flexible screen, then the folding function is achieved, but the movement of the folding type electronic equipment becomes unstable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefolding functionVSAvoidmovement stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic member provides a stabilizing counterforce that prevents unstable movement during folding. By absorbing shocks and providing elastic resistance, the spring ensures smooth and controlled folding motion, enhancing the reliability and stability of the device's movement throughout the folding process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

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 design ensures stability and reduces wear of the hinge mechanism during folding, maintaining the integrity and balance of the flexible display panel.

Implementation Method 1

a hinge including: a fixing bracket including a first fixing bracket and a second fixing bracket at opposite ends of the hinge; a supporting mechanism including a first supporting portion rotatably connected to a side of the fixing bracket along a first axis, and a second supporting portion rotatably connected to another side of the fixing bracket along a second axis; a rotating mechanism disposed between the first fixing bracket and the second fixing bracket

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12477675B2Flexible display panel and electronic device
Publication Date: 2025.11.18 WUHAN CHINA STAR OPTOELECTRONICS SEMICONDUCTOR DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
  • US12477675B2 patent drawing
  • US12477675B2 patent drawing
  • US12477675B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present application provides a flexible display panel and an electronic device. The flexible display panel includes a housing, a hinge, and a flexible display panel body. The hinge includes a fixing bracket, a supporting mechanism, and a rotating mechanism. The fixing bracket includes a first fixing bracket and a second fixing bracket. The supporting mechanism includes a first supporting portion and a second supporting portion. The rotating mechanism includes a first rotating shaft, a second rotating shaft, a first connecting member, and a second connecting member.