Flexible Hinge Magnetic Positioning for Foldable Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing foldable display devices require complex configurations in the hinge section to restrict the angle of the foldable portion, leading to a cumbersome design.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a flexible hinge connecting two housings and a continuously flexible display panel, utilizing magnetic forces to maintain the open and closed states, allowing for a simple and efficient folding mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a housing with a foldable portion and an angle-restricting member are used in the hinge section, then the foldable display device can maintain stable open and closed states, but the configuration becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical angle-restricting member with a magnetic field-based positioning system. Magnetic bodies are embedded in the housings to generate magnetic forces that automatically maintain the foldable portion at predetermined angles (open and closed states) without requiring mechanical stops or complex hinge mechanisms. This substitution of mechanical components with magnetic fields directly reduces device complexity while maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in magnetic field parameters (strength, direction, distribution) to control the positioning of the foldable portion. By adjusting the magnetic body configurations and their magnetic properties, the system can maintain stable states at different angles without mechanical constraints. This parameter-based control eliminates the need for complex mechanical angle-restricting structures.
2Device complexity
If magnetic bodies are provided in the housings to produce magnetic forces, then the hinge configuration is simplified, but additional components are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic bodies serve multiple functions simultaneously: they generate magnetic forces for positioning, provide structural support within the housings, and enable both open and closed state stabilization without requiring separate mechanical components. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count despite adding magnetic bodies, as they replace multiple traditional hinge elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the angle-restricting function with the housing structure by embedding magnetic bodies directly into the housings. This integration eliminates the need for separate angle-restricting members and combines multiple functions (positioning, support, and state maintenance) into a unified magnetic field system, thereby simplifying the overall device configuration.
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
This configuration enables a foldable screen with a straightforward design, ensuring smooth operation and minimizing the impact on the display panel's curvature, thus enhancing user experience and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic force in the first direction is produced between the first magnetic body and the second magnetic body
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a first housing, a second housing, a first hinge that is flexible and connects the first and the second housings, and a display panel that is continuously flexible. The first hinge overlaps with a first housing wall of the first housing and a second housing wall of the second housing. The first housing includes a first magnetic body. The second housing includes a second magnetic body. When the first hinge is in an open state, causing the first housing and the second housing to be disposed side-by-side, a magnetic force in a first direction is produced between the first magnetic body and the second magnetic body.