Flexible Display Multi-Bar Hinge Support for Narrow-Bezel Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
In foldable or rollable electronic devices, securing mechanical stability while maintaining portability and reducing weight is challenging, particularly due to the limitations of existing structures that increase the bezel area and restrict display expansion.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with an articulated multi-bar assembly that allows multiple brackets to rotate and slide relative to each other, reducing the bezel area and stabilizing the flexible display, and an elastic sheet to accommodate length changes, ensuring reliable support and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a structure of articulated bars with rotation axes directly connected to pins is used to support a display, then mechanical stability is improved, but the bezel area increases and display expansion is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the support structure into multiple articulated bars (first bar, second bar, third bar) connected by rotation axes, replacing the traditional pin-based single structure. This segmentation allows each bar to independently rotate and adapt, reducing the overall bezel area while maintaining mechanical stability through the distributed rotation points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic support structure where multiple bars can rotate relative to each other around rotation axes during folding and unfolding operations. This dynamic configuration allows the structure to adapt its shape and reduce bezel area during transitions, unlike static pin-connected structures that maintain fixed geometric relationships.
2Ease of operation
If the structure is made movable to enable folding and portability, then ease of use and portability are improved, but mechanical stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The articulated multi-bar structure provides dynamic movability for folding operations while maintaining stability through the constrained rotation paths defined by the rotation axes. The structure transitions smoothly between folded and unfolded states, offering both portability and structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
By dividing the support structure into multiple segmented bars connected at rotation axes, the patent enables independent movement of each segment during folding, improving ease of operation and portability while the distributed connection points maintain overall mechanical stability throughout the transformation.
3Area of stationary object
If the display area is expanded to meet user demands, then usability is improved, but the structural complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a segmented multi-bar support structure that can be configured to support larger display areas without requiring a proportionally complex internal framework. Each bar segment provides localized support, allowing the overall structure to span larger areas with simpler individual components.
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 solution enables stable folding and unfolding of the device, expands the display area, simplifies assembly, reduces costs, and maintains surface quality by positioning rotation axes near the neutral plane, thus enhancing the reliability and durability of the flexible display.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic sheet disposed to face a bending area of the flexible display and including attachment areas in contact with the plurality of bars and an elastic area disposed between the attachment areas to accommodate a change in length
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 which rotatably connects the first housing and the second housing; a flexible display which is disposed to reach one surface of the second housing from one surface of the first housing across an area where the hinge module is disposed; and a multi-bar assembly which is disposed between the first housing and the second housing, is formed to vary in response to a rotational movement of the hinge module, and includes a plurality of bars supporting a bending region of the flexible display. The multi-bar assembly may comprise: a first bar and a second bar which are arranged side by side and have at least one guide recess formed at positions corresponding to each other; a first bar support bracket which is disposed under the first bar, and includes a first rail formed in a curved shape and a first rail guide corresponding to the shape of the first rail; and a second bar support bracket which is disposed under the second bar, includes a second rail formed in a curved shape and a second rail guide corresponding to the shape of the second rail, and is coupled so as to be rotatable and slidable with respect to the first bar support bracket. The first rail formed on the first bar support bracket moves slidingly along the second rail guide of the second support bracket located adjacent thereto, and at least a part of the first rail may be insertable into the guide recess of the second bar through the sliding movement.