Flexible Module Hinge Structure for 360° and S-Shape Bending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bending devices, such as bendable mobile phones, are limited to single-direction bending (inward or outward) due to the design of hinge rotating shafts, which restricts the implementation of 360° bending, S-shape bending, and rolling bending in a single device.
Innovation Solution
A bending unit comprising two transmission blocks with tooth portions, a connection block, a restricting block, and two rotating arms, which allows for multiple degrees of freedom in adjustment, including rotation and sliding, enabling the hinge to be bent in various forms such as inward, outward, and S-shape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a hinge rotating shaft is designed as a simple rotating shaft bent inward or outward, then the device structure is simple, but only single-direction bending can be implemented
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge rotating shaft is divided into multiple segments including a first rotating shaft, a second rotating shaft, and a connecting component. Each segment can rotate independently around different axes, enabling the hinge to achieve bending in multiple directions (inward, outward, and lateral bending) while maintaining a manageable structure for each individual component.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge rotating shaft is designed as a multi-functional mechanism that can perform multiple bending operations (inward bending, outward bending, and lateral bending) through a single integrated structure. The connecting component links the first and second rotating shafts, allowing the system to achieve versatile bending capabilities without requiring separate mechanisms for each bending direction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple bending forms are implemented in a single device, then the adaptability is improved, but the hinge structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The complex hinge structure is segmented into modular components: a first rotating shaft for one bending direction, a second rotating shaft for another bending direction, and a connecting component that links them. This segmentation allows each component to be relatively simple while the combination achieves multiple bending forms.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting component is disposed on the first rotating shaft, creating a nested arrangement where the second rotating shaft connects to both the first rotating shaft and the connecting component. This nested structure enables multiple bending forms to be achieved within a compact, organized framework rather than requiring separate, distributed mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single-direction bending design is used, then the manufacturing is easier, but the device cannot achieve 360° bending, S-shape bending, or rolling bending
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge is manufactured as an assembly of segmented components (first rotating shaft, second rotating shaft, connecting component) that can be produced separately and then assembled. This segmentation facilitates manufacturing of individual components while the final assembly achieves complex bending capabilities including 360° bending, S-shape bending, and rolling bending.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly is designed as a universal mechanism that can perform multiple bending types (inward, outward, lateral, 360°, S-shape, and rolling bending) through a single integrated structure. The multi-functional design is achieved through the coordinated rotation of the first and second rotating shafts connected by the connecting component.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a bending unit, a hinge, and a bending device with flexible module. The bending unit includes two transmission blocks, a connection block, a restricting block, and two rotating arms. The two transmission blocks have a tooth portion respectively. The two transmission blocks match with each other through tooth portions of the two transmission blocks. The two transmission blocks are respectively rotatably connected to the connection block. The restricting block is slidably connected to the connection block. A first end of a rotating arm of the two rotating arms is rotatably connected to one of the two transmission blocks. A second end of the rotating arm is connected to the restricting block. The rotating arm is slidable relative to the restricting block in a first direction and rotatable relative to the restricting block.