Flexible Display Sliding Mechanism for Hinge Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Flexible display apparatuses face issues with the central portion projecting upward or tearing due to lack of elasticity when folded, and the sealed state being damaged due to friction and external forces, especially when using hinges or link members, which also cause mutual interference and inconvenience in use.

Innovation Solution

A flexible display apparatus with a single or dual hinge mechanism that allows the unfixed end portion to slide on a cover plate with a sliding space and guide jaw, supported by fixing plates and folding sensors, preventing the central portion from projecting and the end portion from tearing, while avoiding mutual interference and enhancing usability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the flexible display means is directly fixed at both ends, then the structure is simple and stable, but the sealed state is damaged due to lengthwise change during folding and unfolding

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidsealed state integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a dynamic absorption mechanism that allows the flexible display means to dynamically adjust its length during folding and unfolding operations. The absorption member (spring or rubber band) provides dynamic compensation for the lengthwise change, transforming the static fixed-end structure into a dynamic system that maintains sealed state integrity while accommodating structural changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state or properties of the system by introducing an elastic absorption member that alters the length parameter of the flexible display means during operation. The spring or rubber band changes its length parameter in response to folding/unfolding, allowing the system to adapt to lengthwise changes and maintain the sealed state without direct fixed-end constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a spring is applied to absorb lengthwise change, then the sealed state is protected, but constant tension locally applied to one end portion destroys the sealed state

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealed state integrityVSAvoidlocal tension damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the absorption member (spring or rubber band) at a specific local position - the end portion of the flexible display means - rather than distributing tension throughout the entire structure. This localized application provides the necessary lengthwise change absorption while minimizing harmful effects by concentrating the elastic mechanism at a discrete location that can be properly supported by the housing structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The absorption member acts as an intermediary element between the flexible display means and the housing structure. Instead of directly constraining the flexible display means at multiple points, the spring or rubber band serves as a mediator that absorbs lengthwise changes through its elastic properties, reducing direct mechanical stress and preventing sealed state damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the flexible display means is made more elastic to absorb lengthwise change, then the sealed state is maintained, but the end portion tears due to excessive elasticity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealed state integrityVSAvoidend portion strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a dynamic absorption mechanism that allows the flexible display means to dynamically adjust its length during folding and unfolding operations. The absorption member (spring or rubber band) provides dynamic compensation for the lengthwise change, transforming the static fixed-end structure into a dynamic system that maintains sealed state integrity while accommodating structural changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state or properties of the system by introducing an elastic absorption member that alters the length parameter of the flexible display means during operation. The spring or rubber band changes its length parameter in response to folding/unfolding, allowing the system to adapt to lengthwise changes and maintain the sealed state without direct fixed-end constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Stability of the object's composition

If hinges are applied to both sides to prevent mutual interference, then the structure is more stable, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefolding stabilityVSAvoidhinge mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the hinge mechanism into two separate hinges positioned at different locations on the housing - one hinge for the front surface and another hinge for the rear surface. This segmentation allows each hinge to operate independently, preventing mutual interference during folding and unfolding operations while maintaining overall structural stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent resolves the interference problem by moving the hinge mechanism to a different spatial dimension or location. Instead of having both hinges at the same position, the invention places one hinge on the front surface and another on the rear surface, utilizing the third dimension (depth) to separate the hinge locations and eliminate interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 effectively prevents damage to the flexible display apparatus during folding and unfolding, maintains a sealed state, and allows for convenient storage and use in various conditions without user grasping, by utilizing sliding mechanisms to manage elasticity and external forces.

Implementation Method 1

Flexible display apparatus capable of sliding action using elasticity of flexible display means being foldable

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9934706B2Flexible display apparatus capable of sliding action using elasticity of flexible display means being foldable
Publication Date: 2018.04.03 LIM YOU SEOB
  • US9934706B2 patent drawing
  • US9934706B2 patent drawing
  • US9934706B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a flexible display apparatus including: a fixing body of which a hinge is applied to one or two edges; flexible display means whose one end portion is fixed to the fixing body and whose the other end portion which is not fixed is capable of being folded and unfolded in a state where the unfixed portion is supported at the outer circumferential surface of the hinge; and a cover plate which is assembled to a hinge shape of the fixing body in a rotatable state and has a sliding space part and a sliding guide jaw for allowing sliding of the unfixed portion of the flexible display means and supporting the unfixed portion of the flexible display means. A sliding plate which surrounds the unfixed end portion of the flexible display means and slides on the cover plate is additionally provided.