Flexible Display Hinge With Moving Spine Covers for Bend Radius Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible displays in foldable devices are prone to damage due to sharp bending at the spine, leading to reliability issues and a non-uniform tactile experience during rotation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a hinge mechanism with orientation-dependent translation and pivoting spine covers that move display supports away from the spine in closed orientations to allow for a larger bend radius and move them towards the display in open orientations for support, reducing stress and providing a uniform tactile experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the flexible display is allowed to bend sharply at the spine in closed orientation, then the device can be compact when closed, but the flexible display is prone to damage from sharp bending
Solution Approach 1:
The display support dynamically changes its position relative to the flexible display based on device orientation. In closed orientation, the support moves away to allow sharp bending and compact form factor. In open orientation, the support moves toward the display to provide structural support and prevent damage. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between compactness and durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is segmented into movable portions (first and second portions) that can rotate relative to each other at the spine. This segmentation allows the device to transition between closed and open orientations, enabling the display support to assume different positions that accommodate both compact storage and protective support functions.
2Strength
If display supports are positioned close to the flexible display in closed orientation, then the flexible display is supported and protected, but the bend radius is reduced increasing stress on the display
Solution Approach 1:
The display support's distance from the flexible display is dynamically adjusted based on device orientation. When closed, the support recedes to increase bend radius and reduce stress. When open, the support advances to provide structural strength. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between support strength and stress resistance.
3Reliability
If the first and second portions translate relative to the spine during rotation, then stress forces on the flexible display are reduced, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The translation function is merged with the rotational hinge mechanism. The spine assembly simultaneously performs both rotation and translation movements, eliminating the need for separate translation mechanisms. This integration reduces device complexity while achieving stress reduction through orientation-dependent positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
The description relates to hinged devices. One example relates to a device that has a first portion hingedly secured along a spine and a second portion hingedly secured along the spine. The example can also include a first spine cover secured relative to the spine and extending into the first portion and a second spine cover secured relative to the spine and extending into the second portion. An extent to which the first spine cover extends into the first portion and the second spine cover extends into the second portion is controlled by an angular orientation of the first and second portions.