Flexible Display Hinge Geometry for Accessory Storage and Low Stress
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinges for flexible electronic devices do not effectively accommodate accessories when the flexible display is folded, leading to a need for a mechanism that securely holds accessories between the device casings.
Innovation Solution
A hinge system with rotating units and shaft members that shift between unfolded, transition folded, and fully folded states, allowing for the accommodation of accessories and flexible display configurations, including a tear drop-shaped and U-shaped cross-sections to manage accessory placement and minimize bending stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional hinge structure is used, then the device can achieve basic folding functionality, but it cannot securely hold accessories between the two casings when the flexible display is folded
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge employs multiple rotating members (first and second rotating members) that can independently rotate relative to each other, enabling the hinge to dynamically adjust between unfolded, transition folded, and fully folded states. This dynamic structure allows the hinge to adapt to different accessory configurations while maintaining a manageable complexity through modular rotation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge is divided into multiple functional segments including a base seat, first rotating member, second rotating member, first shaft member, and second shaft member. Each segment performs a specific function: the rotating members handle angular positioning, the shaft members provide rotational axes, and the combination enables distinct folding states that can accommodate various accessories without requiring a completely complex monolithic structure.
2Volume of moving object
If the hinge allows flexible display to fold with tight curvature, then the device achieves compact folded size, but the bending stress on the flexible display increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dual rotating member mechanism enables the hinge to achieve a tear drop-shaped cross-section in fully folded state, which optimizes the bending radius distribution. The first and second shaft members allow independent rotation, creating a dynamic folding path that reduces stress concentration on the flexible display while maintaining compact folded dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge is designed to create a tear drop-shaped cross-section when fully folded, utilizing optimized curvature distribution. This curved geometry allows the flexible display to fold with a larger effective radius, reducing bending stress while achieving compact size. The arcuate paths of the rotating members ensure smooth curvature transitions that protect the display.
3Device complexity
If the hinge structure is simplified, then the device complexity is reduced, but it loses the ability to define multiple planes for supporting the flexible display in folded states
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge uses two independently rotatable members connected by shaft members, creating a dynamic mechanism that can stably maintain multiple discrete states: unfolded state with one support plane, transition folded state with two parallel support planes, and fully folded state with tear drop configuration. The stability in each state is achieved through the mechanical constraints of the rotating and pivoting connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge is segmented into distinct functional components: the base seat provides the foundation, the first rotating member creates the first rotation axis, the second rotating member creates the second rotation axis, and the shaft members connect these elements. This segmentation allows each component to contribute to defining support planes, enabling the system to maintain multiple stable planes without requiring an overly complex integrated structure.
4Length of moving object
If the third support plates are positioned far apart, then the flexible display can be fully extended, but the distance between them is larger than needed in the fully folded state
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge employs a dynamic mechanism where the first and second shaft members can rotate independently, allowing the third support plates to be positioned far apart in the unfolded state for full display extension, then brought close together in the fully folded state through the rotation of the shaft members. This dynamic adjustment optimizes both extended length and folded compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge creates a tear drop-shaped cross-section in the fully folded state, utilizing curved paths for the rotating members. This curved geometry allows the third support plates to converge closer together compared to a linear folding path, improving folded compactness while the same mechanism enables full extension when unfolded.
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge is mountable between two support parts of a flexible electronic device for mounting a flexible display thereon. Each support part includes first, second and third support plates. The hinge includes two rotating units rotatably mounted at two sides of a base seat to be shifted among an unfolded state, a transition folded state and a fully folded state. Each rotating unit includes a primary rotating member, a secondary rotating member, first and second shaft members and a support bracket. In the transition folded state, the first, second and third support plates cooperatively define two parallel planes for resting two halves of the flexible display. During shifting to the fully folded state, the shaft members are inclined to bring the third support plates close to each other such that a distance between the third support plates is smaller than that between the first support plates.